LOCAL SALUTE

Ignatius House chefs Calisha Smith and Don Williams created a ministry to train women for jobs in the restaurant industry.

Stirring Spirituality

Food for the soul

Calisha Smith, executive chef at Ignatius House Jesuit Retreat Center in Sandy Springs, began her culinary career at the Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall in Montego Bay, Jamaica, and cooked her way to Georgia where she became sous chef at Nicolai’s Roof, then executive chef at The Embassy Suites by Hilton at Perimeter Center. There she met Don Williams, former executive sous chef at Robert DeNiro’s Tribeca Grill in New York. The kindred spirits longed for a way to fill not only hungry stomachs but empty souls.

Five years ago when Smith came onboard at the center that welcomes all faiths to its silent retreats, she immediately called Williams. He jumped at the opportunity to become executive sous chef. “This is the place I belong,” he says. Their dream became reality when they created a ministry within the center to teach culinary skills to women transitioning from homelessness or addiction recovery to self-sufficiency. The six-month paid internship named Kitchen Cura from the Latin word cura personalis (“care for the person”) also provides housing and stipends, along with spiritual support.

Interns study every aspect of food service from hygiene to inventory management and receive ServSafe Certification, an industry accreditation. “Our goal is to teach women new skills so they can find meaningful jobs and show them ways they can give back to the community,” Smith says.

IGNATIUS HOUSE JESUIT RETREAT CENTER • 404.255.0503 ignatiushouse.org • @ignatiushouse

Helping Kids Thrive

Best in class

Brookhaven resident Tim Ayres fell in love with Eagle Ranch in 1997 when he volunteered with his Sunday School class at Northside Methodist Church. “I’ve gotten more out of my involvement than I ever could have imagined,” says Ayres, who is serving his fourth six-year term on the board of directors at the residential facility that provides education and counseling for nearly 70 boys and girls and their families.

Located in Flowery Branch, Eagle Ranch was founded by Eddie Staub in the early ’80s to establish a home for struggling boys. Because of its fast growth, CNN dubbed it “The Miracle on Chestnut Mountain.” Today, the campus comprises 315 acres with 10 homes, a counseling center and a chapel. “It’s considered a ‘best in class’ children’s home, and our board members mentor others who are interested in opening similar facilities,” says Ayres.

“The child is not usually the problem,” he says. “Generally, the entire family is dysfunctional. We want to help parents work through crisis situations and create a loving environment while letting kids know that they are valued, not just ‘sent off.’”

Ayres, who retired as a legacy partner after 36 years with Eagle Ranch supporters Moore Colson CPAs and Advisors, continues to volunteer on the firm’s service days. Following Hurricane Ian, he traveled to Florida with Northside Methodist’s early response team to help with cleanup.

A volunteer at Eagle Ranch since 1997, Tim Ayres says he gets back more than he gives.

EAGLE RANCH • 770.967.8500 eagleranch.org • @eagleranchga

Donating a portion of the proceeds to the Ronald McDonald Charities is part of NAViGO's DNA.

Concierge for Consumers

Reducing frustration and giving back

Stuart Poole had an “aha” moment after he spent frustrating hours trying to set up services for TV, internet, cell, utilities and a security plan for the family’s new home in Chastain Park. Unable to find online resources that assist in making informed decisions, he developed a free concierge service named NAViGO to help people and businesses get the best deals. Donating a portion of the proceeds to a nonprofit was part of his business plan.

“Consumers seeking help can go to our website and submit information about their needs. We do the research and set up a grid spelling out the options,” says Poole. “There is no obligation to continue working with us, but if they choose one of the companies, we can sign them up and even schedule installation. Payment comes from partner companies.”

Selecting a nonprofit was simple. Poole’s business partner, Kurt Schuettinger, was on the advisory board at Ronald McDonald House Charities that provides housing and support for families with sick children. It seemed a natural fit for the fledgling company.

During its first nine months, NAViGO donated more than $5,000 and co-sponsored Share the Love Week and Giving Days in March. The duo also volunteered at Santa’s Workshop, a free shopping experience for guest families staying at the facility during the holidays. Gifts are donated by individuals and retail establishments.

NAVIGO navigoforward.com • @navigoforward