The Culinary Job Training (CJT) program graduation ceremony for classes 169 and 170 was a reminder that whoever you are, it’s a good idea to trust the process—when that process is based on care, compassion, and belief in a brighter future. On Friday, January 31, 39 inspiring individuals celebrated their accomplishments with a very loud, very supportive crowd of family, friends, and DC Central Kitchen (DCCK) staff members of all backgrounds and departments. That wide swath of DCCK experience was echoed throughout the ceremony.
Alumni Speaker Tyann Brown stepped to the stage of the Capital Turnaround, a stunning venue in DC’s Navy Yard neighborhood, and bravely opened up about her journey to the Kitchen. “I went from abuse to addiction and recovery, then back to addiction and recovery. I was battling that addiction for several years. I tried recovery on multiple occasions. Guess what? The phrase Mr. Jeff says, ‘Trust the process,’ well, he’s right.”
Tyann has been trusting the process since her graduation from the CJT program in 2023. “Today, by God’s grace and mercy, I’m standing here with two years of total abstinence from any substance use. Today, I stand before you as a production cook at DC Central Kitchen.”
A beloved member of the DC Central Kitchen staff, Tyann speaks to each and every employee every day at our staff’s morning meeting and to the dozens and dozens of volunteers that visit the Klein Center. “I’m still learning new things every day. I am still a work in progress. I have the opportunity to work with the wonderful volunteers who come through the door every day. I keep my eyes open and my area straight because I want to be a great example to the new hires, the new students who join our organization.”
Tyann reiterated trusting the process and closed her remarks with, “I have achieved knowledge, wisdom and strength and I live a positive, productive life. DC Central Kitchen is not just a job to me, it is also my family.”
No staff member is spoken about by CJT students and alum more than Jeffrey Rustin, Associate Director for Workforce Development. The leader of the self-empowerment class, the man who preaches trusting the process of our ‘knife skills and life skills’ curriculum, took some time to honor a fellow beloved staff member, our departing Chief Financial Officer Glenda Cognevich. His story of coming to the kitchen sounded familiar to most everyone in the room.
“I came to DC Central Kitchen 16 years ago, and I was the last one to interview for a position there. And Glenda came in and she met with me, and she said, ‘I’m going to give you an opportunity.’ And Glenda, I thank you, because when you gave me an opportunity, my life was everywhere, but it gave me a foundation. I just want to thank you again. You have worked with me and my family and my daughters, and you have just been a blessing to me.”
For the first time in her nearly two-decade career with the Kitchen, Glenda spoke at graduation. “When you work for DC Central Kitchen, four times a year, if you’re an employee, you get to come and experience this graduation, which revitalized and reminded me of why I was here and that what I was doing was more than just counting the pennies. It has really been the privilege of my life.”
The graduate speaker was Terrence Barnes, one of the youngest members of class 170. A year ago, Terrence was recovering from a gunshot wound that destroyed multiple internal organs. He felt helpless during his recovery, and his mother urged him to choose another path while he still could. A recipient of The Sunshine Award, given to the student who has maintained a positive attitude, Terrance did not come to DC Central Kitchen in the most uplifting state—at least at first.
“I thought I was too good for the program,” said Terrence. “Being the youngest in the class, I had a chip on my shoulder. But quickly I realized how much I needed this experience. This program saved me. I could’ve been anywhere, doing anything, but I was here learning, growing, and finding myself. Stuff I needed to take the next step.”
On Friday, that next step was graduation. Closing his powerful address, Terrence yet again reminded the crowd about trust. “It feels good to finish something on my own terms. I could’ve been out on the streets, but I chose this path and I’m proud of that decision. I want to continue my journey by giving back, just like DC Central Kitchen. I want to use food as a tool to strengthen bodies, empower minds, and build communities. Thank you for this opportunity and thank you for helping me trust the process.”
Four times a year DC Central Kitchen honors the graduates of our Culinary Jobs Training program. Our CEO Mike Curtin refers to these days as the best four days of the year. Like he said on stage, “They remind us why we do what we do, what that work is all about and how much that means. And we are so thankful that we could share it with all of you.”
The next Culinary Job Training graduation is set for 2pm on April 11 at Capital Turnaround (700 M Street SE). You are invited. Trust us, it’s one of the best days of the year!