“Cook as you would for your own family...with love.” - DC Central ...

Culinary
Job Training
we will succeed
April Parker was on the streets for 15
years. She attempted the program twice, but
only after deciding she wanted her daughter
in her life permanently could she make the
changes necessary to succeed. April entered
the training program for the third time,
determined to graduate. She graduated with
two jobs, a bank account, financial security,
full custody of her daughter and confidence
that she can achieve her goals.
Tennelle Smith was the first graduate of a
new hybrid program, designed to keep
struggling students engaged with the Kitchen
while they address housing, mental health
and family issues before they re-apply for
the full CJT program. After attempting
the program twice, Tennelle attended
AA meetings before class and entered
transitional housing. She was determined to
get her chef coat and finally graduated from
the 73rd class with a job, benefits, apartment
and food handler’s license.
Students from Class 71 work together during the cook-off competition creating Shrimp Etouffee
“ The hardest thing about being an addict is that you
feel like such a failure. I had low self-esteem and made bad
decisions. But one person can encourage you and one right
choice can change your life. DC Central Kitchen is one of
the right things I chose. And now, I can wake up, smile,
and say, Wow.”
April Parker, Class 72
Using a unique training program focused on culinary skills, life skills,
and job readiness, our 12-week Culinary Job Training Program has
graduated more than 700 men and women to date, helping them
move on to new careers and new lives. The program has become a
nationally recognized model, duplicated in dozens of communities.
Juanita Burrell, Class 74, sautes onions