The Upper Valley Haven
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Haven Stories
Volunteers & Donors
Dena Bray
On a Friday morning once a month, the smell of fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil drifts out of The Haven’s downstairs kitchen and into the hallways. If you were to peak into the kitchen—and you certainly couldn’t resist—you would find Dena Bray.
Dena, who lives in Etna, NH with her son and husband, has been teaching cooking classes at The Haven since the fall of 2005. Earlier that year, Dena had started a cooking school from her home kitchen. As a part of her school’s philosophy, Dena wanted to teach anyone who wanted to learn more about cooking, regardless of their financial means.
“If I can make a small dent in getting the most nutritious meal on their table for their families, then I have accomplished what I set out to do.”
Dena bases the recipes she uses in class on the food available in The Haven food shelf, and is thankful that the food shelf includes fresh produce. One class she cooked a quiche with fresh mushrooms, peppers and onions, and she frequently cooks soups and stews.
Dena says she also learns a lot from the people she teaches, like how to extend certain foods. “Food brings out a glow in people,” says Dena. “People who come to my classes at The Haven, especially those who have just moved into the shelter, are cautious. But with time, they open up.” Dena describes one young woman who had just arrived at The Haven and was very quiet the whole class. The next class, the woman had changed dramatically. She was joking with the friends she had made at The Haven and energetically described to Dena how she had used the recipes from class. The next cooking class, the woman popped her head in the kitchen and said she couldn’t come to the class as she had started a new job. “To see that transformation is wonderful.”