Buckhead Church Gives Back 2026!

Our generous partners at Buckhead Church come to Open Hand every year and ask us to dream big. They want to know not only “what would make a big difference for Open Hand?” but also “What would help Open Hand make a big difference? What would help Open Hand go further, faster?"

We know that the Stephen Woods Culinary Workforce Development Program is one of the ways Open Hand is making a big difference in our community. This program launched with a clear goal: empower our underemployed and unemployed neighbors with the skills and resources they need to launch a culinary career. Each 11-week cohort offers real culinary training, ServSafe certification, and career and financial literacy coaching for all participants. With over a 75% graduation rate, 90% of those who have completed the program are employed in the culinary industry. All of these services are provided at no cost to our hard-working and dedicated apprentices.

Buckhead Church and their amazing congregation, through their annual Be Rich campaign, awarded Open Hand a $78,500 matching gift to directly support the Culinary Workforce Development Program. You can directly sponsor this program and ensure ongoing apprenticeship opportunities for individuals overcoming barriers such as homelessness, limited access to job training, or unemployment. Your gift will help cover training costs, from uniforms and equipment to transportation and wraparound services that lead to long-term success. We need to get to work and, with your help, we are kicking off this match challenge! That means when you donate, your impact will be doubled!