Kim’s Journey

Finding Confidence, Community, and a New Beginning

At Ooh De Lally, we believe in second chances and the power of community to transform lives. One of our standout team members, Kim, exemplifies this mission. 

In her time at Ooh De Lally, Kim has not only brought her skills as a pastry chef to our team but has also become a source of inspiration for her colleagues. Her journey is a testament to resilience, growth, and the importance of opportunity.

A Lifetime in Baking

Born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, Kim’s love for baking began at an early age. At just 14 years old, she started learning the craft through a culinary class at Boys Town, a transformative experience that ignited her passion. 

“They had a full-service bakery, and I thought, ‘Oh cool, I can eat cookies,’” Kim joked. “But it became so much more.” 

By 17, she baked her first wedding cake and began what would become a lifelong career in pastry.

Over the years, Kim honed her craft by working in various bakeries, gaining experience in everything from frying donuts to finishing wedding cakes. But life wasn’t without its challenges. After being incarcerated in 2019, Kim found herself starting over. In 2023, she turned to the Metropolitan Community College’s 180 Re-entry Assistance Program, which connected her with Ooh De Lally. 

“I was looking for something full-time with benefits, which is rare in food service. Ooh De Lally gave me that opportunity,” Kim said.

Thriving at Ooh De Lally

Although Kim initially came to Ooh De Lally as a baker, she quickly embraced learning new skills, including cooking. 

“The experience here has been a challenge, but it keeps me intrigued and on my toes,” Kim said.

As a supervisor, she has taken on new responsibilities, built her confidence, and enjoyed the camaraderie of a supportive team. 

“I love being surrounded by like-minded people,” she said. “Everyone works as a team here, and you don’t get that at a lot of places.”

Kim has also used her creativity to leave her mark on the menu. Her cheesecakes have become a beloved staple at Ooh De Lally. 

“Cheesecake is versatile,” she shared. “I can change it with the seasons—strawberry in the summer, apple in the winter. I’ve been told it’s the creamiest cheesecake people have ever tasted, and I’m proud of that.”

Her love of baking extends beyond work. Kim started a tradition at Ooh De Lally where everyone gets a birthday cake. 

“Cakes celebrate your special day, and I love sharing that with others,” she said.

Kim’s cheesecake, a favorite at Ooh De Lally.

A Supportive Environment

For individuals who have been justice-impacted, finding a supportive workplace can be incredibly difficult. Kim highlighted how different Ooh De Lally has been compared to her past experiences. 

“The environment here is very supportive,” she said. “I feel like I have people around me who care about my mental health, recovery, and freedom. I can always ask for help, and you don’t find that anywhere else.”

In addition to workplace support, Ooh De Lally and our community partners have provided affordable housing opportunities for justice-impacted employees like Kim. This crucial support ensures that team members not only have a job but also a stable home to help them rebuild their lives. Your donations and support of Ooh De Lally help make this possible.

Advice for Others

Kim encourages others going through the 180 Re-entry Assistance Program to embrace opportunities like Ooh De Lally. 

“If you’re looking for a place where you belong and don’t have to feel ashamed of your past, this is it,” she said. “You’re learning skills that you can use anywhere, and the team here really wants to see you succeed.”

Moving Forward

Kim’s journey at Ooh De Lally is one of transformation and growth. From honing her baking skills to stepping into a leadership role, she’s discovered confidence and community along the way. Her story is a powerful reminder of what can happen when someone is given the chance to thrive.

As Kim continues to make her mark at Ooh De Lally, she remains an integral part of our mission to provide second chances. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters and partners, we can continue to help justice-impacted individuals like Kim rebuild their lives, one step—and one cheesecake—at a time.

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If you’d like to support Ooh De Lally’s mission — and contribute to success stories like Kim’s — consider a donation today.