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Chicago Program Feeds Futures with Culinary Skills
2 Jan
Summary
- Inspiration Kitchens offers a 12-week culinary boot camp for those facing poverty or homelessness.
- Students gain ServSafe certification and practical skills for commercial-level food service jobs.
- Program graduates have found employment in various food industry roles across Chicago.
In Chicago's East Garfield Park, Inspiration Kitchens operates a unique social enterprise restaurant and job training program. This intensive 12-week culinary boot camp aims to equip individuals facing poverty and homelessness with essential skills for the food industry. The curriculum includes ServSafe certification, knife techniques, sanitation, and career development, preparing students for commercial kitchen environments.
Graduates from this program have secured various roles, from bussing tables to working as line cooks and in prepared foods departments. Many students, like Jaclyn Shortoff and Jesus Rosario, find that the program provides crucial support and opportunities, fostering confidence and a sense of belonging. The organization also offers holistic support, addressing needs like vision care and laundry.
Founded on principles of supporting vulnerable communities, Inspiration Kitchens, a part of Inspiration Corp., has evolved over 35 years. The restaurant, while facing typical industry challenges, strives to make its earned income a viable part of its funding. Its mission continues to champion Lisa Nigro's original vision of aiding those in need through sustainable career paths.
