When Tanishia Barnes lost her job, a history of 20 years’ commercial cooking experience was insufficient to find another quickly enough to support her five children. Consequently, she applied with the DC Department of Human Services (DCDHS) for TANF benefits.
Through KRA/TEP (TANF Employment Program), operated for DCDHS, Tanishia worked with Career Agent Brittany Switzer on a plan that included resume-development, interviewing, and job-search skills, which led to several interviews, but no suitable offers.
To increase her industry marketability, Brittany advised Tanishia to enroll with KRA/TEP food-services training partner, ServSafe, which resulted in her passing the Food Handler’s Course, but not the certification/licensing exam.
Though lacking credentials, Tanishia’s food prep/cooking, service, and kitchen management training landed her a position as a Cook with a hotel, and, after passing the exam, secured her a second job as a Cook II with a youth-rehab facility.
Better-paying positions and increased job security have given Tanishia the ability to regain financial self-sufficiency, as well as the confidence to make plans for pursuing a Culinary Arts degree to advance her career.