For many people with developmental disabilities, attending college may not be a viable option. Now, a North Carolina nonprofit organization has won a $100,000 federal grant to help disabled students add culinary skills to their resume in order to land a job in the food-service industry. The money will be used to help renovate the kitchen for the new culinary arts program at the LIFESPAN Creative Campus in Troutman through the North Carolina Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (NCVR), according to the Statesville Record & Landmark. NCVR Unit Manager David Matheny told the news agency that upon completion, students will receive a Serve Safe certificate needed to work in the restaurant industry. “Our goal is to help people minimize disabilities because everyone has the ability to go to work,” Matheny added. “Think about how much better everyone’s life is when they can get a job, put money in their pockets and be a part of the community.” The program is already proving to be a popular one. There are currently 120 people on the waiting list to take the 6-to-8 week course. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that job opportunities for food-service related work are expected to grow by 10% through 2018. |