Nourishing Hope & Building Skills

Recovery is about more than being free of substance use, it’s about possibility. At Caz, we believe that a strong foundation for the future includes meaningful work, new skills, and supportive connections. That’s why our partnership with FeedMore WNY has become such an important part of the journey for many of our residents. FeedMore’s workforce development initiative, called RISE (Readying Individuals for Success and Employment), offers two tracks: logistics and culinary arts. Both are designed to meet people where they are to provide nationally recognized certifications, hands-on training, and wraparound support to help participants move toward stability and self-sufficiency.  

How the Partnership Began 

The relationship between Caz and FeedMore began in 2020, when FeedMore launched its RISE programs as part of a bold new vision to address food insecurity through workforce development. Caz quickly recognized that the structure, support, and certifications offered through RISE would be a natural fit for residents working to rebuild their lives. What started as a handful of referrals soon grew into a strong and enduring partnership. Caz has since become FeedMore’s most consistent and successful referral partner. The connection works because it is built on trust: Caz staff know residents will be welcomed and supported at FeedMore, while FeedMore sees the resilience and determination that Caz participants bring to the classroom. Over time, the partnership has deepened into a true pipeline of opportunity. 

Building More Than Skills 

“You can’t solve food insecurity with food alone. RISE shortens the line by giving people skills to provide for themselves.” – Jay S. (FeedMore WNY) 

Jay Smith, Chief Workforce Development Officer, leads workforce development at FeedMore. He explains the shift in how FeedMore now approaches food insecurity.  For years, food banks measured success by pounds of food distributed. However, the true impact comes from helping people gain independence. RISE prepares students not only with credentials but also with confidence, networks, and a renewed sense of purpose. For residents at Caz, the experience is nothing short of transformational. “I’ve had the privilege of watching our residents arrive uncertain, unsure of themselves, and then leave with not only new skills but with renewed hope,” said Dr. Tom Priester, Vocational Program Manager at Caz. “What begins as a tentative step forward quickly becomes a journey of growth. By the time they graduate from the RISE program, our residents are more confident and ready to embrace the future. They rediscover their abilities, reclaim their confidence, and, most importantly, they believe in their own work-readiness. The experience is truly life changing.”

The partnership also reflects Caz’s philosophy of offering options and letting residents take ownership of their recovery. “FeedMoreWNY’s RISE program is so much more than workforce training—it’s a recovery-friendly pathway that leads to both personal and career growth,” said Tom. “What makes the RISE program so special is its accessibility: it’s free, it’s open to anyone in our programs, and the decision rests entirely with the residents. When they choose to take part, it’s not just about gaining skills—it’s about opening the door to an entirely new chapter in their lives.”

Measuring the Difference 

Caz’s partnership with FeedMore is more than strong; it is defining. Since the relationship truly began with Cohort 6 in 2022, Caz residents have made up nearly 39% of all RISE Logistics participants (43 out of 111). That is well over a third of the program’s enrollment and shows how central Caz has been in building the pipeline of opportunity that RISE represents. 

Transformations Beyond the Classroom 

The support system at RISE also makes a difference. Beyond technical skills such as forklift operation or SERV Safe certification, students receive meals, transportation assistance, and help addressing childcare or housing challenges. “Residents often face barriers that make it hard to focus on training,” noted Caitlynn Weichert-Winkfield, Vocational Specialist. “FeedMore understands that and provides support so participants can succeed. That wraparound approach is what makes this program unique.”  

Jacki Flis, Caz Vocational Program Coordinator, has watched that transformation unfold: “Many of my residents have completed the culinary program, and they come back full of pride. One resident told me she couldn’t wait to cook for her children again using the skills she learned. That’s just as important as getting a job, reconnecting with your family, building routines, and healing relationships.” 

A Partnership Rooted in Hope 

For FeedMore, the relationship with Caz has been especially fruitful. Jay acknowledged: “Caz has been, by far, our strongest referral partner. We would not have had nearly as much success without them. And we’ve been able to hire several Caz residents ourselves, giving them supportive employment right here in our own warehouse and commissary. It’s a win-win for them, for us, and for the community.” The results ripple outward. Residents who graduate from RISE often find stable jobs, and many go on to advance within companies that value their training. For those who join FeedMore itself, the workplace becomes another pillar of support for their ongoing recovery. As Jay explained, “When you know you’re going somewhere every day where people care about you and want to see you succeed, it reinforces your commitment to recovery.”  

2024 ANNUAL REPORT 

Our 2024 Annual Report features updates on Caz Recovery and all the fantastic things we accomplished last year. From continuing our growth to achieving strong outcomes for the people in our programs, 2024 was another great year for Caz Recovery. Thank you to everyone who contributed to our successes throughout 2024.