Union Gospel Mission There are seven ministries throughout Winnipeg whose goal is to elevate God's holy name and spread his message of salvation, and one of the ways they do this is through their care centre at 271 Archibald Street.
For head chef Shannon Van Leeuwen, it's great to build relationships and get to know the women who come through the doors. “I still take care of the women in the kitchen, but it's a different role. It's a lot easier and I don't have to say no as much as I did when I was working at the front,” says Van Leeuwen, who worked at the front of the house before becoming head chef. “I say yes a lot more. It's just a different relationship, but thankfully there's still a spirit of service there.”
To support UGM, donate to the Nobody But Jesus Radiothon now
Van Leeuwen has been head chef since August 2023. “I started as a weekend cook, which I really enjoyed. I worked at the front of the office most of the time while a few people were away, and then I just recently started working in the kitchen as full-time head chef.”
While there is no typical day, Van Leeuwen says “I start work around 9am and the service is already happening by the time I get to work. Snacks are served at 10am so I prepare those, decide what tasks will be done for the day and plan what to cook. The kitchen is busy and the women are well-fed and grateful. It's a very busy space.”
Van Leeuwen also believes in having fun in the kitchen: “We laugh a lot in the kitchen and my kids enjoy my cooking, so that helps.”
