Somerville resident donates home-cooked food

On November 25, 2013, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

Stephanie Parsons (left) of Malden and Teresa Wu of Somerville have been cooking and donating lunches to On The Rise, Inc., a day-program for homeless women. They liked the party atmosphere at the ’80’s Throwback Party hosted by Eastern Standard Kitchen & Drink on Nov. 14. – Photo courtesy of On The Rise.

Teresa Wu, of Somerville, has been cooking lunches for On The Rise Inc., Cambridge-based day program for homeless women for almost a decade now, donating the home-cooked food to the organization. She and a friend, Stephanie Parsons of Malden, usually cook in tandem during their turn, one focusing on the entree, the other on the sides one month and then alternating the next.

“It all started because I heard the organization was seeking travel-sized toiletries,” said Ms. Parsons, a Harvard faculty member who travels extensively for work. Then they heard that the organization was seeking cooks, and a tag team was born.

“We’ve been cooking a long time,” Ms. Wu said. “We try to make healthy meals, with lots of good veggies. Ten years, that’s a lot of lunches.”

The women attended a ’80’s dance party hosted by the trendy Boston eatery; Eastern Standard Kitchen & Drinks where they met with other supporters, said hello to old friends and enjoyed the retro music and party theme.

On The Rise, located in a classic Victorian at 341 Broadway, offers women a sanctuary where they can meet life’s daily necessities; find nutritious meals, seasonal clothing, a safe place to sit, to shower and even a place to receive mail. It also offers a place where women can forge relationships and a sense of community and find the resources they need to move out of homelessness.

On The Rise staff serve as advocates for the women, they help them access the services they need; like health care or help them navigate the court system or find counseling or rehabilitation and addiction services. The staff supports the women and helps foster change.