In the heart of Fresno’s Old Fig neighborhood, Steve Miller is known for his easy smile, his big black dog Boris, and the laughter that often spills from his home. He’s been part of this community for nearly a decade—walking tree-lined streets, waving to neighbors, and raising his children among friends who care deeply about the Valley.

But for Steve, Old Fig holds more than familiar faces. It’s the backdrop of a love story that continues to grow, even after loss. Steve’s wife, Cecilia “CC” Miller, was larger than life—joyful, honest, and the kind of person who made you feel like you belonged the moment you stepped through her door. She loved karaoke nights, dancing in the kitchen, and hosting friends and family. Though she joked about not loving to cook, she believed that food was a love language. It was her way of showing people they mattered. When CC passed away after a long battle with cancer, her absence left a space that words couldn’t fill. But in time, that space became something sacred—a seed of hope that would take root in the heart of Fresno. That seed is CC’s Kitchen, a commercial kitchen at the Fresno Mission’s City Center campus, built in her honor. More than just a place to prepare meals, CC’s Kitchen is a space of restoration—feeding hundreds of individuals and families each day, including those experiencing homelessness, recovery, or simply seeking a new beginning. Yet its impact goes far beyond the plate. CC’s Kitchen offers culinary job training, equipping participants with hands-on experience that opens doors to employment and stability. It gives people more than food; it gives them a future. “CC always believed the best way to someone’s heart was through their stomach,” Steve says. “Now, this kitchen is doing exactly that—feeding people physically and spiritually.” To Steve, the mission of CC’s Kitchen feels like an extension of his wife’s heart—open, generous, and full of grace. It reflects her belief that everyone deserves to be seen, fed, and loved. Today, Steve is extending that same invitation to his neighbors—the people who knew CC, and those who didn’t—to help carry her legacy forward. CC’s Kitchen is fully operational, but its long-term sustainability depends on community support: food donations, volunteers, and financial gifts that will keep the ovens warm and the doors open for years to come. “This isn’t just about CC,” Steve says. “It’s about what God can do through one life, one act of generosity, one meal shared in love.” Whether it’s giving $25 a month, volunteering in the kitchen, or simply spreading the word, every act of kindness fuels something much bigger than a meal. It fuels dignity, opportunity, and hope—the kind that transforms lives from the inside out. For Steve, Fresno isn’t just where he lives—it’s home. And through CC’s Kitchen, his wife’s warmth, laughter, and compassion still echo through every meal served.