How do you build a career when you don’t have a stable home, transportation, proper training or even a resume? For hurricane refugees, families furloughed during the pandemic, and countless others, Second Harvest’s Culinary Training Program (CTP) offers an answer.
Designed to serve adults of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds who face barriers to stable employment in Central Florida, the Culinary Training Program’s 16-week curriculum provides not only an essential foundation to pursue a career in food service – including knife skills, sanitation and safety, and kitchen management – but also essential life skills to promote stability and independence after graduation.
“It’s so important to have diversity in a kitchen because you’re bringing different talent, tastes and cultural techniques to the table,” says Keonna Yearwood, Culinary Training Program manager. “That’s what makes it beautiful. You can bring something from one part of the world somewhere else, and it all mixes together to create something new.”
Keonna has extensive experience working with stakeholders in the community to develop successful curriculums. In previous roles, she learned the value of listening to locals – especially those who may not traditionally have opportunities to share their voices – and using that insight to shape the services provided.
“We want to get to know them, listen to their heart and experiences, and learn how our resources can help push their voices forward,” adds Keonna.
The Culinary Training Program also succeeds in connecting students to a diverse range of opportunities that support economic growth in the local community. Hiring partners include Publix Supermarkets, Rosen Hotels & Resorts, Walt Disney World, JW Marriott, Universal Parks & Resorts and more.
Rather than “giving students an education,” team members view the process as collaborative: helping students discover the talents, assets, and skills they already have and giving them the tools to chart their own course forward.
“We get to see everything that happens with the students every step of the way,” says Keonna Yearwood, program manager. “They push and push and push, and finally they get to the moment where they realize, ‘I get it. I deserve more. I’m worth more.’ And it’s beautiful to see because nothing stops them after that.”
