Taylee’s story is a reminder of how quickly life can change and how the right opportunity at the right time can transform everything. Before finding Columbia Ability Alliance’s Opportunity Kitchen, Taylee was facing homelessness, uncertainty, and a future that felt like it was slipping away.
After getting kicked out of the mission, Taylee had nowhere to go. That’s when she connected with Compass, a local support organization, which referred her to SNIPES AG3 — a youth assistance program founded by Toosi Snipes. They, in turn, helped her discover Opportunity Kitchen.
What came next changed her life.
“Before all this I didn’t even know where I was going in life… I was going downhill. Then I started Opportunity Kitchen — and getting this job helped me go uphill.”
More Than a Cooking Class
Taylee didn’t just learn how to cook — she gained life skills that gave her stability and pride. From proper dishwashing techniques to prepping meals from scratch instead of boxed food, she learned what it means to take ownership over her day-to-day life.
“It prepared me for the real world… skills I never thought of before.”
With her graduation from Opportunity Kitchen behind her, Taylee secured a job with Columbia Ability Alliance’s Federal Building Janitorial Program. Her sense of routine, purpose, and confidence began to blossom.
A Daily Routine That Builds Confidence
What started as survival has turned into structure. Taylee now wakes up early, goes to the gym, and heads to work — a rhythm that’s helped her mentally and emotionally reset.
“It’s been helping my mood… I’m very proud of myself.”
It’s that pride earned, not given that defines Columbia Ability Alliance’s mission. We don’t just provide training. We invest in people. We help build the confidence needed to chase goals that once felt out of reach.
Dreams Bigger Than Survival
Now, Taylee’s vision for her future is clear and ambitious. She dreams of working at the Hanford site in a janitorial role, buying a home, and eventually fostering both children and rescue dogs.
“I’m really excited.”
Her story isn’t finished, it’s just getting started. But thanks to the supportive ecosystem of programs, mentors, and employment opportunities at Columbia Ability Alliance, she’s no longer surviving. She’s thriving.
