Fanjoy Cooking Up Change aims to improve the mental and physical health of individuals, youth and families and build stronger communities in rural Ontario
Guelph / Hillsburgh, ON, July 15 Fanjoy Cooking Up Change is pleased to announce it has now been established as a not-for-profit with a mandate to feed connection and build strong communities in rural Ontario, with programs and events coming this summer to Guelph, Hillsburgh and the surrounding Wellington County area.
Fanjoy Cooking Up Change will use food, interactive cooking classes, food education and employment training programs focused on building life skills for youth with autism and also deliver innovative counselling programs to improve the mental and physical health of individuals, youth and families across the lifespan. In addition, the organization will address the intersectionality of food insecurity, employment, mental health and stable housing to prevent homelessness, with a focus currently on youth aged 14-22 years of age.
“Teaching life skills that will last a lifetime, the not-for-profit will nourish new friendships and strengthen relationships one plate at a time aiming to reduce the negative impact of social isolation on mental health, create more joy and strengthen our communities,” said the organization’s founder and Executive Director, Pam Fanjoy.
Fanjoy Cooking Up Change will be based at the former location of Fan/Joy restaurant in Hillsburgh, Ontario and plans are underway to transform the facility with a focus on accessibility and inclusion.
“Fanjoy Cooking Up Change is set to make a big impact in our community and we invite all members of the community to join us in making this new space thrive in Wellington County,” added Fanjoy.
You can contribute to Fanjoy Cooking Up Change by visiting https://www.fanjoycookingupchange.com.
A clinical social worker and child, adolescent and family therapist for more than 25 years, Pam Fanjoy is also an award-winning chef who won the top spot on the TV show, Chopped Canada and recently competed on the TV show, Fire Masters. In addition to her new role as Executive Director at Fanjoy Cooking Up Change, Fanjoy is the owner of the Fanjoy Culinary + Wellness Centre, which recently opened up its new location in downtown Guelph. The Centre offers a variety of programs including its Junior Chef Programs, which combines culinary classes with therapeutic goals and life skills training for youth and young adults to nourish body, mind and soul.
“Our mental health system is broken,” said Fanjoy. “I believe we must change the way that mental health services are delivered. We can tackle many of life’s problems by feeding connections in the kitchen.”
Fanjoy Cooking Up Change has recently opened its main office in Hillsburgh Ontario. For more information, please visit fanjoycookingupchange.com.
MEDIA: To book an interview with Pam Fanjoy or for more information, please contact Saskia Brussaard, saskia@cravepr.com.