On June 21, at the Chavis Community Center in Raleigh, our Culinary Apprenticeship Program (CAP) held its graduation ceremony. The atmosphere was a blend of celebration, reflection, and anticipation for the future as graduates, their families, and supporters gathered to honor the hard work and dedication of the latest cohort.
Led by instructor and manager Lori Jones, CAP is a transformative program that equips individuals who are unemployed or underemployed with valuable culinary skills and work experience. Over 12 weeks, students participate in 25-30 hours of hands-on training each week in a real commercial kitchen. This intensive program not only improves their culinary skills but also prepares them for steady employment in the food industry. Graduates leave with in-demand knowledge which significantly boosts their employability.
The graduation ceremony commemorated the most recent CAP class: Serafin Carvajal, Shaquanna Denkins, Tanya “Flossy” Williams, Theodora “Dora” Chefney, Milton Amerson, and Laurie LeMaster. Inter-Faith Food Shuttle's CEO, Ron Pringle, kicked off the event sharing inspiring words about the CAP students. His words resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom had witnessed firsthand the challenges and triumphs faced by the graduates.
During the CAP graduation ceremony, each student had the chance to share a testimonial about their program experience. Each personal story was a powerful reminder of the impact the Culinary Apprenticeship Program has on its participants. Their impactful stories reflected their resilience, determination, and the supportive community that helped them along the way.
Elton Ivory, a former CAP graduate and now-employee at Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, also took the stage to share his personal journey and the impact the CAP program has had in his life. His story was a beacon of hope and inspiration for the new graduates, reinforcing the impact and potential of CAP. Listening to Elton, it was clear how transformative the program had been for him and how it could similarly change the lives of the current graduates.
Lori Jones and Ron Pringle then presented certificates and high-grade culinary knives to the graduates. Each graduate walked up to the stage with pride and joy. The smiles, hugs, and handshakes that followed were a testament to the supportive and nurturing environment that CAP fosters.
Following the ceremony, friends, family, and supporters celebrated the accomplishments of the class and the promising futures that awaited them. The event provided an excellent opportunity for fellowship, strengthening the bonds within the CAP community.
