Meet Dayo

Published July 24, 2018

Dayo is a woman who is unstoppable. Her strength and resilience are incredible. She has struggled and experienced homelessness for the past several years. She had a successful career in the financial industry, but had to leave the field due to personal circumstances and some health issues. She is still trying to find her way and unfortunately due to her age and health issues has not been able to find employment. We continue to support her in her search for stability in housing and employment. 

What circumstances brought you to where you were before you joined Together We Bake?

Dayo: I was evicted from my apartment because I unable to sustain my rent. I was not able to get sustainable employment because my field is narrow. International Economic Policy. Then I became homeless living in hostels or hotels, but I could not keep up with it and started living in the shelter dependent on people and charity.

What inspired you to apply to Together We Bake?

Dayo: A lady at the Downtown Baptist church had told me about TWB and I thought I should try it. I came for an interview and I thank god I am here today.

How has Together We Bake changed your perspective on life?

Dayo: Well gradually TWB is changing my demeanor and the way I react. Like now I tend not to argue as much, I watch and wait.

Has someone at Together We Bake (a fellow participant, a volunteer, an instructor, etc.) had a particular influence on you?

Dayo: Each and every one of the staff have been extremely good influence on me. Ms. Stephanie- I am happy that no matter what the problem is she’s always there to listen. Ms. Elizabeth- For coordinating everything with the Richmond field trip.

The whole staff gives us new experiences. How much they give is astonishing to me, how much they give of themselves, how much they give of their time, and how much they give monetarily. The baking instructors do an excellent job and I have been able to learn lots of skills. Everyone here is a strong woman.

How would you describe Together We Bake? 

Dayo: It’s a very influential and inspiring program. They want you to attain your best and give you the resources and are there to help you.

What do you feel is the most valuable thing Together We Bake does?

Dayo: Caring. Caring in terms of if you have any problem they are there.

What is the most valuable thing you learned at Together We Bake?

Dayo: I have learned a lot about food handling and management.

Do you have any specific memories of experiences at Together We Bake?

Dayo: The Richmond trip. Meeting the Lt. Governor and being able to express my views about something I am passionate about was such a fulfilling experience. Next to that is the fact that they gave me a phone to use. It’s very difficult to function without a phone.

What was the most challenging thing about the program? How did you

overcome that challenge?

 Dayo: Controlling my anger. With the help of Ms, Stephanie and some self-talk, I am doing better.

What advice do you have for women considering applying to Together We Bake?

Dayo: You come over here with an open mind ready to learn, ready to let the program impact you. If you don’t open your mind to fresh ideas and new exchanges, you will not benefit. And most importantly you have to be ready to change.