From Food Stall to Fine Dining:

The Client Advisory Board (CAB) at EverFree Philippines is composed of community members and human trafficking survivors determined to use their experiences and skills to empower and support clients. CAB members advocate for clients’ voices and contribute to the development of more effective and holistic programs. As a CAB member, Chef Arthur* uses his life experiences and insights from being a part of EverFree’s empowerment programs.

*pseudonym for anonymity

Arthur's childhood was marred by the absence of his parents' love. His father's untimely death and his mother's overseas work left him hopping between relatives. At an early age, Artie feared a lifetime of economic hardship, of being unable to support himself or his future.

As a high schooler, he worked as a carinderia (food stall) attendant by day and attended school at night, simultaneously shouldering his family’s needs and his education. 

Upon graduating from high school, the prospect of a college education held the promise of a better life. But Arthur could not afford college and scholarship prospects were slim.

Just as Arthur felt completely hopeless and frustrated, hope came in the form of his high school social worker. He was referred to EverFree Philippines’ empowerment program, which helps both survivors of trafficking and vulnerable community members.

Arthur enrolled in career training and attended sessions with his counselor.

“Sometimes, you're torn between two options, and you can't think straight because the problems overwhelm you,” Arthur says, thinking back on his path. “But thankfully, I had a counselor who helped me weigh my options when I was faced with a problem as I determined my life goals. Her guidance got me to where I am now. Her encouragement undoubtedly had an impact on my life, motivating me to keep going, one step at a time, taking positive steps as I neared my goal."

After graduating from his program, Arthur received a technical-vocational scholarship from EverFree, which helped him pursue a vocational course in Commercial Cooking, a crucial step in his career path.

Arthur completed his vocational course and received on-the-job training and certification at a four-star villa hotel. He progressed through the restaurant industry, eventually earning the title of Chef de Partie at a well-known hotel.

As a CAB member, Arthur uses his experiences to help other members of EverFree’s empowerment programs and advocate for their voices.

When asked about his future hopes, Arthur says, “I hope to improve more and grow more both personally and professionally. I also want to reach out to more vulnerable youth so they will know about the services offered at EverFree. Through this, we can bring more clients to EverFree, and those clients would have the chance to have a better future.”