Rick, a single father with a disabled daughter, used his personal challenges to help others through cooking. Initially, he struggled with cooking and food insecurity, but he improved his skills by learning from a YouTube chef. This not only helped him make gourmet dishes from limited ingredients but also ignited a competitive spirit in him. When he started using food pantry services, he saw it as a chance to be creative, similar to a culinary game show.
Rick noticed that many single fathers faced similar challenges with little support. This inspired him to go back to school and study child and family studies. His personal experiences of single parenthood, financial struggles, and food insecurity were closely linked to his studies.
Rick’s improved skills and knowledge led him to become a virtual coach for Special Olympics Oregon Active, a home fitness community that started during the pandemic. His role grew beyond fitness coaching when student-athletes asked for classes on life skills, including cooking and appliance repair. Rick’s classes aimed to bring families and caregivers together, with a focus on family meals.