Tri-Cities program is helping challenged adults build ‘life skills and knife skills’
Thanks to Columbia Industries’ Opportunity Kitchen, five Tri-Cities adults have overcome barriers to getting a job.
A mission-based organization, Columbia Industries, celebrated its 11th graduating class from its food service training program, Opportunity Kitchen this week at the Richland Federal Building.
Opportunity Kitchen started in 2019 and has graduated 46 students from the training program.
The program helps students that face challenges such as intellectual or physical disabilities, mental illness, domestic violence, substance abuse and homelessness or unstable housing.
“Our graduates have invested in their personal growth, they have persevered, and they have overcome barriers to build a better life for themselves,” Michael Novakovich, president and CEO of Columbia Industries, said in a news release. “They leave our program empowered, knowing they are valued, and that they have great value to offer our community.”
“We’re teaching life skills and knife skills. So it’s culinary arts,” he told the Herald.
They learn about safe food handling, cooking techniques, customer service and more.
After attending the 12-week food service program, five students received their Food Handler Permit and program certification.
Among the graduating students is Alix Rhoads, who said the program made a huge impact in her life.
“Things that I have learned are definitely a good part of my life,” she said.
The students are taught by Executive Chef Instructor Derek Smith and program staff following a comprehensive curriculum that will prepare them for food service, hospitality or catering employment.
“With each student, some may not enter the culinary field but I think the skills and everything in its place can be applied to life,” said Smith.
During the program, the students were able to work in the commercial kitchen at the Richland Federal Building alongside staff in the building’s cafe. They also had the opportunity to assist with catering jobs and contract meals.
Graduates work with Columbia Industries staff to find jobs that are suited to their interests and participants have access to Empowerment Place, Columbia Industries’ on-site resource center, where they can receive help connecting with critical support services such as housing, food benefits, medical and dental care, childcare, transportation, recovery treatment and more.
For more information, visit columbiaindustries.com.
