Quick learner + Commercial Kitchen = Employment!

Robert picks things up pretty quickly. And thanks to The Bridge’s new commercial kitchen and a mentor to shadow, Robert has a legitimate job for the first time in his adult life.

Monday was a big day for Robert. He graduated from treatment, interviewed for a job at a pizza shop and was hired on the spot. The letter of reference from Larry Perry, Jr., The Bridge’s kitchen manager, told Robert’s new boss all she needed to know. He has just the right skills, attitude and willingness to learn.

Robert came to The Bridge’s Extended Residential Treatment program in October, about the same time Larry was hired and began serving meals from the new kitchen. Robert, like other clients, volunteered to help in the kitchen.

“I didn’t really tell him what to do,” Larry said. “He just watched and learned. He quickly picked up important things like portion control, labeling items and food storage.

“I’m a bit territorial about my kitchen,” he continued. “I came in one day to find someone else’s handwriting on some food labels. At first, I was upset but then I realized, he’d done it all exactly right.”

Robert had tried treatment before but didn’t really commit to it. All his previous work experience had been illegal. The one time he tried to become productive in the early 2000’s, he was in a terrible accident on the job that made it impossible to work.

“Robert was born with the gift of leadership,” Larry said. “but he didn’t always use it in a productive manner. He knows he must use this gift for good.”

“I’m a changed man,” Robert said. “I intend to remain sober and I will give back.”

Robert’s experience is a good example that the kitchen is already a training ground. As soon as funds are available, a formal kitchen training program will provide participants with a certificate in food preparation and a food handler’s permit. With the training in a working kitchen along with business managers willing to hire our graduates, long-term success in on the horizon for many.