SAN DIEGO — They say money can’t buy happiness, but Ayoe Rydiander needs just $14 to make her smile.

She bought a new-to-her crock pot at the new Kitchens for Good store, but the value goes deeper than the discounted price tag.

“I love this. I can’t even believe there is one here right now,” she said. “This is amazing.”

Rydiander is training to be a chef at Kitchens for Good, a nonprofit whose apprenticeship program teaches culinary skills to foster youth, the formerly incarcerated and those struggling with housing.

Rydiander experienced homelessness after escaping an abusive relationship, until she found her purpose in the program.

“To do something new and something I have become aware of the last couple years, that I like doing, you know? And you can never take those skills away,” she said.

The Kitchens for Good shop sells “pre-loved” culinary equipment and dinnerware at discounted prices, from slightly used pots and pans to fine Italian China.

Mary Scafidi runs the Kitchens for Good shop, collecting donations and organizing them.

“I like to call us the new Target,” she said with a laugh.

Money from selling the gently-used and like-new kitchen and dining ware will go a long way to keeping the apprenticeship program going and helping people overcome barriers.

“I always tell people, it’s the only job I have that at some point every day I cry about something because it’s just like things just touch my heart, you know,” she said. “So, knowing what we’re doing is helping other people, it just makes it so worthwhile to come to work every day.”

Rydiander now has a roof over her head and a mission in her heart: When she graduates, she wants to have her own kitchen. Being able to buy equipment she can afford brings her closer to her dream.

“I mean I’m so glad, I’m so glad that I took that step in this direction,” she said. “I’m so glad that I lost my last job because this is where I was supposed to be, you know?”

Those interested in donating to Kitchens for Good can drop off slightly used goods at their location at 980 Hornblend St. in San Diego.