Town & Country

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Selkirk Town Plaza 200-366 Main Street SELKIRK ���.E��������D����.�� Jazz Ballet Tap Hip Hop Lyrical Twos & You Creative Movement Adult Dance Adult Fitness T he first time you walk into Kee- sha's Kitchen, across from the Main Street boardwalk in Winnipeg Beach, there's a good chance you'll notice that it's more than just an average small-town restaurant. An eclectic mix of local art adorns the walls, a glance at the menu reveals a wide array of colourful and internationally flavoured foods, and one is greeted with warm and welcoming smiles. At the heart of Keesha's Kitchen is a genuine desire to make a positive differ- ence in the world. Keesha Daniels was born in Mon- treal to immigrant parents from Bar- bados. Raised in Winnipeg's West End by a single mother, she had to fight to survive in an environment rough with gangs, drugs and the sex trade. And fight she did, eventually thriving and turning adversity into action that would help others along the way. A nurse by profession, her work in health and social services led her to a position as director of programs at Winnipeg's Main Street Project. The opportunity to open a restau- rant in Winnipeg Beach and provide job mentoring for youth at the same time was a chance she couldn't pass up. "I've always had a passion to cook and feed people. Taking care of people has always been there for me and men- toring youth is part of my next chapter in life. Mentoring youth is everything," says the mother of two sons, ages 20 and 17. Through its mentorship program, Keesha's Kitchen employs kids in care from various agencies, both boys and girls, ages 16-21. With her background in social services and counselling, mentoring youth is an important piece of the puzzle, and bring- ing together the social aspect, the food, the customer service and the mentorship program is the mandate at Keesha's. "We make great efforts in instilling confidence in the youth, preparing them, supporting them and working with them," Daniels explains. Keesha's sister Reeshema Daniels, a Winnipeg social worker, shares the same passion for working with youth and serves as a support to her sister. "The mentorship program teaches every aspect of the restaurant business: Serving, bartending, food service, pay- roll, and scheduling, including how to run a business. Keesha wanted to provide a place for young people, to help with jobs, resumes, and cover letters. One of the biggest things was to give the youth a healthy place to work," she says. Mandy Osiaway is serving supervisor at Keesha's and doesn't mind the 45-min- ute drive from Arborg every day. "Winnipeg Beach is calming, has a slower pace. Keesha is amazing. The customers are very appreciative. There's room for potential. We're encouraged to put in our own creativity, heart and soul. It's classy but not stuffy. I can be myself and still do something I love. The youth call me Mama Bear. I give them hugs," she says smiling. Osiaway is also an artist and a mental health advocate who has seen the power of art help people heal. "We're about community. We support community. Painters, artists, creative people, chefs, professional servers. Kee- sha appreciates those who work for her." Daniels brings attention to their mis- sion statement, which states in part, "We strive to achieve being a small part of the global movement to better humanity through hard work, dedication and ex- ample. We do this through our combined love and respect for food and service and by providing internationally minded yet locally produced comfort food, in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and follow it with providing real jobs and training opportunities to youth. "Our mentorship program serves as the connective thread running through every facet of what we do and provides our next generations with tools to take their newfound skills and confidence into the workforce. "We open ourselves up to be a venue for culture, art and live music, which we feel represents the heartbeat of our society. We recognize the privilege and responsibility we have in operating such a venture and are humbled by the op- portunity to become part of this spiritual evolution on the beautiful landscape that is Winnipeg Beach." Keesha's began operating in July 2017. As a collective with community and con- nection at its core, the staff look forward to expanding on what they've created thus far. Keesha's serves everything from break- fast, lunch and dinner to comfort food for the body, mind and soul, and can ac- commodate special diets. The restaurant is fully licensed, hosts live music events, and is expanding the patio area. The re- cently added deli counter gives customers a variety of options for eat-in or takeout while enjoying a walk on the waterfront. To learn more — and to check out the menu — visit keeshaskitchen.ca. PHOTOS BY DARCY FINLEY Keesha Daniels has a passion for cooking — and caring. Community & Comfort Food Keesha's Kitchen serves mouthwatering meals and much more B Y J A N I N E L E G A L Daniels brings attention to their mission statement, which states in part, "We strive to achieve being a small part of the global movement to better humanity through hard work, dedication and example. We do this through our combined love and respect for food and service and by providing in- ternationally minded yet locally produced comfort food, in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and follow it with provid- ing real jobs and training opportunities to youth.

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