Embracing Second Chances
By focusing on culinary and hospitality training, The Welcome Table aims to equip participants with job skills and a sense of dignity, belonging, and hope to live life to the full. Driven by a renewed sense of purpose, our founder (Ben) started a journey to establish The Welcome Table. The organization’s goal is clear: provide culinary and hospitality training alongside second-chance employment opportunity in a community where individuals can find acceptance, mentorship, and the chance to thrive.
From a Child's Dream to a Mission for Change
The seeds of The Welcome Table were planted in the heart of a young boy named Ben, who found his calling in the warmth of his grandma Lola's kitchen. While baking a chocolate cake, he felt an undeniable sense of belonging and purpose, a feeling that would guide his path for years to come. Despite life’s challenges and detours, Ben's passion for hospitality never waned; it evolved into a deeper calling.
Listening to a Higher Calling
After years of pursuing a career in the restaurant industry and real estate, Ben experienced a pivotal moment that would redirect his life's work. Despite his success, he felt a divine nudge, a clear message from God that there was something more he was meant to do. This calling was not about personal achievement but about serving others, particularly those marginalized by society—individuals who are justice-impacted, struggling with employment due to past incarceration, substance recovery, or homelessness.
A Vision for Community Restoration
The Welcome Table is envisioned as a space where the table serves as a medium for healing, learning, and rebuilding lives. It's a place where every meal tells a story of redemption, every interaction is an opportunity for mutual discipleship, and every success is a step toward a stronger, more inclusive community. Those that said yes to the invitation to partner, along with The Welcome Table, are part of creating, modeling, and distributing a dining and hospitality model that will be a powerful tool for social change and community restoration.
Follow Our Journey
Stay connected with The Welcome Table and see firsthand the profound impact of our programs. Stay updated with stories of transformation, community events, and the heartwarming successes of those we empower through hospitality and compassion.
Phase 1
Fund
- Form and launch a dedicated board for strategic oversight
- Raise missionary support through fundraising efforts
- Submit a 501(c)3 application for tax-exempt status
- Developing partnerships with local businesses, non-profits, and civic organizations to enhance community integration and support
Phase 2
Build
- The Welcome Table aims to build culinary and life skills among participants, equipping them with essential knowledge for both professional and personal growth.
- To ensure the success of this initiative, a Culinary Program Director will be hired to oversee the curriculum and manage daily operations.
- The team will focus on writing grant and funding proposals to secure financial support for the program.
- Form a pilot program cohort to test and refine the approach before expanding the initiative.
Phase 3
Run
- The Welcome Table will run its first full cohort, providing participants with a comprehensive culinary and life skills education.
- A food truck will be purchased and operated, serving as a practical training ground and a means to generate additional revenue.
- Achieving 501(c)3 designation will solidify the organization's tax-exempt status, facilitating greater funding opportunities.
- The team will engage in heavy marketing and development efforts to increase visibility, attract participants, and secure ongoing support.
Phase 4
Realize
- The Welcome Table will establish a brick-and-mortar space to provide a permanent location for our programs and activities.
- Staffing will be elevated by hiring additional qualified personnel to support our growing needs.
- Plans for further expansion will be developed to reach and impact a larger community.
- A graduate-level program will be created to offer advanced training and opportunities for those who have completed the initial courses.
Meet the Team
Our Board of Directors embodies the heart of our mission, blending wisdom, compassion, and bold leadership to guide The Welcome Table toward impactful change. Together, they champion our vision of creating strong, inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Ben Pickthorn
Executive Director
An Executive Director with over 26 years of expertise spanning hospitality, real estate, and vocational ministry. His passion for service and hospitality shines through, crafting memorable experiences, driving business, and caring deeply for his communities. Adept in business, he ensures growth and profitability while investing deeply in listening to people. Ben's commitment to vocational ministry underscores his leadership, guided by compassion and community engagement. His style, rooted in identity, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, inspires positive impact. Together, Ben and his team foster relationships and empower communities, finding joy in shared laughter and heartfelt connections.
What does hospitality mean to you?
Hospitality is extending an invitation of welcome and access to all of me and all that I have. And simultaneously agreeing for you to to extend the same invitation to me in return, without your knowledge. While only being responsible for my reaction to that implication, and comfortable with sitting with those in their discomfort until they become comfortable.
Andrew Marshall
Board Chair
Andrew brings wisdom and leadership shaped by a Bachelor's degree in Accounting with Honors from the University of Oregon. His corporate experience underscores a commitment to excellence. Outside work, Andrew finds renewal in nature through backpacking and shares his passion for basketball as both player and coach. Andrew enjoys family adventures with his wife, Kristin, and sons, Elijah and Joel. A puzzle enthusiast, he thrives on solving challenges, whether in gaming or business strategy. Sushi and shellfish are his culinary delights, and hospitality, to Andrew, means surpassing expectations with personalized care.
Place you feel most called by God?
To lead my family and community toward Jesus
Karen Hall
Board Member
Karen brings over 40 years of experience and wisdom in health-related services, with a particular focus on underserved populations. With a Bachelor of Science from OHSU, Karen is deeply committed to community engagement, evidenced by her involvement with the local Rotary Club and service through her church and Love INC organization. Outside of her professional life, Karen finds joy in spending time with her family and enjoying activities like golfing, walking, hiking, and snow sports. Her caring nature exemplifies her passion for bringing people together and her hospitality in sharing her home and cooking to bless others. Karen prefers to start the meal whenever possible with her favorite food: dessert–a trick she learned from her father.
What is your favorite food?
Dessert
Shane Graves
Treasurer
Shane, our insightful Board Advisor, brings financial expertise and entrepreneurial acumen to our team. With a degree from the University of Oregon and experience as a business owner in financial services, Shane's contributions are invaluable. Outside the boardroom, he finds solace in outdoor pursuits like backpacking, skiing, hunting, and fishing, grounding himself in the beauty of nature and time with his Creator. Family is Shane's anchor, sharing a deep bond with his children and granddaughter. Despite defying the typical accountant stereotype, Shane's happiness is found in the mountains and in meaningful relationships. His hospitality knows no bounds, making everyone feel valued.
Do you prefer cats or dogs?
Dogs
Kyle Colleen Black
Board Member
Kyle is a passionate advocate and Policy Associate at the Oregon Justice Resource Center, using her lived experience to push for change in the criminal justice system. After 26 years of incarceration, she knows firsthand the challenges of re-entry and brings this wisdom to her work and role as a board member at The Welcome Table. Her background spans accounting, cosmetology, and decades of volunteerism supporting women in need. Kyle sees service as an honor and embraces life with humor, empathy, and a commitment to uplifting others. When she finds time to relax, you can find her buried in one of her comfy hoodie sweatshirts. Kyle overflows with joy and is a positive presence in every environment.
Favorite kitchen tool?
Rubber spatula
Join Us at The Welcome Table
Our story is still being written with every person we serve, every life we touch, and every partner who joins us in this mission. The Welcome Table is a testament to what can happen when faith, passion, and purpose converge to create a place of true belonging. We invite you to be part of this story, whether as a participant, volunteer, donor, or advocate, as we work together to extend hospitality to all who need it most.
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Want to dive deeper into our cause? Reach out to see how you can be part of this incredible journey towards hope and hospitality for all.
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Your involvement can spark significant change, one life at a time. Join us in our mission to create an environment where everyone is cherished and celebrated.