Wesley
Elizabeth Lemus is an experienced culinary professional with a strong background in social enterprises and personal chef services. Currently serving as Manager of Social Enterprise at Wesley Urban Ministries since October 2018, Elizabeth oversees initiatives such as First Start Farm, Interpretation Services, and First Start Cafe & Catering. Prior to this role, Elizabeth worked as a personal chef and baker, offering cooking classes and customized meal services. Additional experience includes roles as a catering assistant at Pino Cafe+Bistro and chef instructor at IGA - Instituto Gastronómico de las Américas, where Elizabeth developed culinary skills and recipes. Elizabeth has also contributed to health initiatives with Samaritan's Purse, creating cookbooks and innovative recipes to address malnutrition in Amazonian communities. Elizabeth holds a College Degree in International Chef from IGA Instituto Gastronómico de Las Americas and furthered education at Mohawk College.
Wesley
Wesley is a long-standing local non-profit, offering support for people experiencing poverty, homelessness, and barriers in the community. We provide programs and services to meet diverse community needs in Hamilton as well as Halton Region and Brantford – Brant. As a multi-service organization, we offer Children, Youth & Family Services, Housing & Homelessness Services and Newcomer & Community Services. The long-term impact of our programs includes improved education, successful employment and supportive independence. As an organization, we are innovative, creative, evidence-based and financially responsible. We began in 1955 with one program in the basement of Wesley United Church in downtown Hamilton and now offer more than thirty different programs in twenty different locations. Wesley’s services are possible through a broad base of funding support from government, business, foundations, churches and individuals. Wesley’s legal charitable name is Wesley Urban Ministries. In 2018, an operating name of Wesley was registered and is the forward-facing name of the organization.