If you were to ask Michael McCoy, founder of Chef to Shelters, what his life would look like outside his then-executive title eight years ago, his vision would have probably included more money and corporate recognition.
On the outside, Michael appeared to have it all. He drove luxury vehicles, wore designer clothes, flew first-class on flights, and had many friends. What most failed to recognize was that his on-the-go lifestyle was a disguise he used to mask his struggle with addiction. Denying his struggles, he would put on his tie and stumble into the office for another day’s work. After all, an alcoholic could not be an executive of a well-known company—or so he thought.
When life met him at rock bottom, he recalls feeling like he had nowhere to turn other than to become a better version of himself. Determined to turn his life around, Michael took the first steps to become sober just over six years ago.
Feeling God’s presence encouraging him to return to his roots in Dallas, Michael recalls sitting and praying in the car he lived in, asking God to give him one more chance for redemption. Back in the corporate world with a sober perspective, Michael began to climb the ladder to a VP position in real estate once again. Except this time, he spent his free time cooking for those in need, despite having no previous chef experience.
He began to feel a sense of joy and peace that no money, drink, or drug could previously afford him—so he sought out ways to serve his community even more.
In 2019, he picked up the phone to call Tim Grigsby, the CEO of The 24-Hour Club, a nonprofit that serves those dealing with drug and alcohol addiction and seeking refuge. To Tim’s surprise, Michael was interested in cooking Thanksgiving dinner for The 24-Hour Club, but the city already had that need covered. Tim politely declined his offer.
Being the salesman he is, Michael countered Tim’s objection by offering to serve the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and Tim agreed.
Falling in love with serving those who presently struggle with what he once struggled with, Michael began cooking for the addiction community every weekend throughout COVID-19—totaling 62 weekends straight of service while running a company.
Everyone around Michael began to notice his newfound joy in serving others, including his former CEO. Sitting Michael down to encourage him to go into ministry full-time, they planned his final year in corporate America together.
If you were to ask Michael today if he is ashamed of his past, he would say that he believes God put him through all of his struggles to make him a more compassionate and better servant to those around him.
Chef to Shelters' mission is to provide meals that speak dignity and respect to adults and adolescents in communities for sobriety. Michael’s goal with Chef to Shelters is to be of service to others who are struggling with addiction because he did not have that support when he needed it. cheftotheshelters.org