February 10th 2024.
Drive Change, a nonprofit organization, is making a significant impact in the lives of young adults who were previously incarcerated in the bustling heart of New York City. According to NBC News, their innovative programs have been successful in providing opportunities for these individuals to turn their lives around. Through a unique four-month paid fellowship, Drive Change combines culinary arts training, leadership development, mental health support, and youth-led advocacy to prepare participants for meaningful employment.
But it's not just about culinary training for Drive Change. The organization also runs Culinary Access and Relief Events, an admirable initiative that employs formerly incarcerated young adults to provide culturally respectful and nutritious food to the local community. This not only gives them practical work experience, but also fosters a sense of purpose and community engagement, as highlighted by Drive Change itself.
Khalila Moon, the executive director of Drive Change, strongly believes that food is a basic human right and everyone should have access to quality meals. She also emphasizes the importance of understanding the individuals behind the statistics when addressing systemic issues. As she explains to NBC News, “That’s an individual there, it’s very important that people understand, there’s human beings behind this.”
In line with their holistic approach, Drive Change recently renovated their space in order to create a modern and supportive environment for the youth under their care. This includes guidance and mentorship from experienced professionals, creating a nurturing atmosphere for growth and development. The training kitchen, a cornerstone of the initiative, provides valuable skills such as food preparation, customer service, and entrepreneurship. The flexible event space also serves as a versatile hub for various training and programs.
One of the program participants, Dupree Wilson, shares his powerful journey and the impact the fellowship has had on his life. With a family history of incarceration, Wilson's personal transformation is a testament to the profound effect Drive Change has on its participants. As he reflects, “My pops went to prison, his pops went to prison, I went to prison. I became more emotionally mature. It wasn’t really hard for me to do the same thing that he did; with my son, I don’t want him to have that experience. My motivation for everything I do is for my son to grow up better than I did.”
Moon also stresses the importance of addressing systemic issues and how Drive Change is working towards breaking the cycle of incarceration. By partnering with the hospitality industry in New York City, the organization not only provides practical training, but also instills a sense of equity and support throughout its programming.
In a city that never sleeps, Drive Change stands as a beacon of hope for youth, challenging preconceived notions and investing in the future of individuals who deserve a second chance. Through their focus on culinary arts, leadership development, and social justice, Drive Change is paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future in the culinary capital of the world.
And their efforts have not gone unnoticed. Their work has been featured in Black Enterprise and has received support from taxpayers, who are in favor of funding for incarcerated individuals to receive a free college degree. Drive Change truly embodies the saying, “It takes a village,” and through their dedication and determination, they are transforming the lives of formerly incarcerated youth in New York City.
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