You probably remember that last year, Beautiful Day created a special new program for Afghan women, most of whom had arrived in RI after the 2021 US military withdrawal from Afghanistan. We wanted to provide a space where women with more complex resettlement needs could develop the social connections, job skills, and community support that would help them thrive here.
Last November, we began hosting 15 Afghan women weekly at our Providence headquarters. The goal was to learn the fundamentals of working in a commercial kitchen and explore food-based business ideas through the process of cooking together. We soon discovered that we were in the company of many experienced and gifted chefs, eager to share beloved dishes from Afghanistan with neighbors in their new home state.
Magic sparked during the early meetings and an ambitious goal emerged – these 15 women, speaking at least 3 different languages, wanted to start their own catering company. They organized into various kitchen roles for efficiency, tried different combinations of dishes, collaborated on recipes, and incorporated feedback from customers. The group began by catering parties and communal meals at Beautiful Day and gradually expanded to offer its menu to partners in the surrounding community. By August, individual boxed lunches could be picked up on Fridays, and customers could order larger food trays for events they were hosting. Afghan food is delicious and everyone who sampled it wanted more!
Members of the Afghan Women’s Project achieved so much in just a year, but starting a small business demands more than their commitment and skills – they need more time. More time in Beautiful Day’s familiar kitchen where the extra bits of support are anticipated and provided. More time to acquire more business knowledge, connections, and experience navigating the RI food sector. We had assumed that at the end of the first year we would say goodbye to the original cohort while ushering in a new one. But we had witnessed the evolution of something extraordinary, and we believed in their dream. We also had many occasions to taste their food – and like everyone else, we wanted more!
How were we going to continue catering while welcoming a new group and pursuing a new project at the same time? According to Chrissy Heckart, who helps run the Afghan Women’s Project, the answer is still evolving with all options being equally exciting. Currently, everyone meets together, and the original cohort is mentoring the new. It wouldn’t be possible without the strong team surrounding this effort, including two crucial Afghan women staff members, remarkable volunteers, a network of partners, and expert guidance from all the Beautiful Day departments. There are plans to keep exploring options and to team up with more organizations and individuals in the local food economy. No doubt, there is a special place in Providence for this group’s unique contributions.
“There’s a collective willingness to work hard and have a sense of humor – we all genuinely want to be here, doing this crazy, challenging – yet entirely possible – thing together. We care about what we are creating, and we care about each other,” Chrissy says. “What’s really incredible is how much strangers also care. Whenever I mention this project, Rhode Islanders want to get involved!”
Yes, it’s crowded; yes, it’s chaotic. But a spirit of dedication, collaboration and curiosity prevails. When walking by the bustling kitchen or meeting room, you’re likely to overhear bits of lively debate over ingredients or technique, followed by laughter. And at the end of a busy Friday session, when the women sit down to share a meal they made together, it’s clear something wonderful is happening. We’re not sure what we’ll find once the dust settles – but we’re sure it’s going to be good!
