In 35 years of serving our city, DC Central Kitchen’s Culinary Job Training program has marked some memorable graduations—but none have been larger than our most recent one, when 55 inspiring graduates from three separate classes walked across the stage at the Capital Turnaround. An additional two classes were in attendance as they approach their own graduation later this year. Thanks to the efforts of these graduates, DCCK has now produced more than 2,300 graduates since launching this program more than three decades ago. Those numbers are impressive by any measure, and the words of our graduates and staff show how those metrics represent transformed lives and brighter futures.
Class 164 graduate speaker Maurice A had the crowd’s attention during his remarks. His life story received multiple rounds of applause and shouts of encouragement.
“After spending thirty-two years in prison, you just don’t know how you really fit back into the world,” said Maurice. “The one thing I had, I had a plan. And that plan started with DC Central Kitchen. I was told if you go to DC Central Kitchen, you won’t look back. And so, I’m here with no other expectation than to do something different with my life.”
Maurice closed his remarks with, “Before I leave, I want to tell y’all this. If you get knocked down seven times, get back up eight times and keep fighting.” The line got a standing ovation. Even better than Maurice’s rousing remarks on that day? His exciting new full-time job at a DC Central Kitchen Cafe, where he’s already using his skills to welcome and serve his community.
Class 166 graduate speaker Sidney B used the most of his time, allowing the appreciative crowd a glimpse into his life. Sidney said the lessons he learned in our challenging Self-Empowerment program aren’t stopping with him. A proud father of ten, he vowed to continue passing on the principles of character, compassion, and consistency to his children.
“My classmates have been tremendous source of encouragement,” said Sidney. “Understanding my past, looking up to me as a model of a man who never gave up. Their support has always reminded me that no matter where we came from, we could always lift each other up and succeed together. As I stand here today, I’m not just a better cook, but I’m a better man.”
These sentiments of belonging, responsibility, and support weren’t just echoed by the graduating students. The recipient of the Dorothy Bell Award, Darlene King, an 11-year DCCK staff member who recently earned another promotion, shared an anecdote from her mother.
“I give thanks first to my mom,” Darlene began. “She raised us with a serious sense of integrity. She would say, “If you’re doing the right thing, you won’t have to worry who’s in place or out of place because you’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing.””
The line garnered applause and a few in the crowd shouted the statement back at her. It’s a mantra the Class 93 graduate has obviously used time and time again, from her time in the CJT program in 2013 to working in the DCCK School Foods department and in her current position as a DCCK production manager.
DCCK CEO Mike Curtin closed the ceremony and noted the importance of events like CJT graduation. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if more people could just see what we do at DC Central Kitchen? And understand that there is such joy in offering hope, in creating opportunity, in lifting each other up. We have the incredible opportunity to see these amazing people coming together to do just that.”
Yes, the most recent CJT graduation with 55 inspiring students was the largest we’ve ever had. Yes, more than 2,300 lives have been positively impacted by the CJT program. The numbers shake out. The quantitative growth is obvious. But the personal growth modeled by these 55 emerging leaders will pay measurable results for our community for years to come.
