On Wednesday, August 25th, our community gathered to celebrate an exciting grand opening and ribbon cutting of our beautiful new kitchen and dining room. San Joaquin County Supervisors Tom Patti and Miguel Villapudua, Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln, GCRM Board Members and other local dignitaries spoke during the ceremony. Looking up to heaven, we gave thanks! Our very own Food Services Director, Bobby Smith (2011 New Life Program Graduate) and his staff prepared a delicious meal in our beautiful kitchen. This fine meal was served in our dining room as guests gathered around the tables, enjoying their lunch, and each other’s company. Now, on a daily basis, we open the doors of our dining room for our staff, students, and the homeless and hungry in our community.

The situation we were in prior to the renovation of the kitchen and dining room reminds one of the familiar Biblical story of the five loaves and two fishes.