Students earn culinary certificates in Richmond Police
Department’s
inaugural season of RVA C.O.O.K.S. for at-risk youth.
Program participation leads to employment and peer
mentorship.
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond
Police Department in partnership with Bon Secours and Chef Sammy Davis Jr.,
Food Network star and winner of Chopped Redemption, will culminate the eight
week pilot program of RVA C.O.O.K.S. [Culinary Occupation and Other Keystone
Skills], with a graduation ceremony tomorrow, Tuesday, August 23, 2022, at
Justice Services located at 730 E. Broad Street (730 Building), lower level.
The graduation ceremony will recognize student participants and mark the
transition of those moving into employment opportunities in the culinary field
or taking on a student mentor role within the program to support their peers.
RVA C.O.O.K.S is a free,
culinary program focused on addressing the root causes of youth violence and is
intended to spark culinary interest, creativity and principles that lead to
success beyond the kitchen for Richmond’s at-risk youth. A concept created and launched by Richmond Police
Department’s Community Youth and Intervention Services — Community Cares Unit
partnered with Celebrity Chef Sammy Davis, Jr. who overcame a challenging
upbringing and turned to cooking as his outlet, partnered as a way to empower
youth and provide constructive learning during the summer.
During the 8-week program, 10
students (half of which were serving time in a local juvenile detention
facility) are mentored by RPD officers and participate in lessons facilitated
by officers that focus on social emotional learning, conflict resolution and
practical de-escalation skills.
“I thought I really knew how
to cook before coming to the class. I’ve learned different cooking skills to
take back to my home space and the community”, said 16-year old Jovontay,
participant who was recently released from Richmond Juvenile Detention Center.
As part of the program
outside of the kitchen, students participate in class discussions where they
learn important skills that may very well change the trajectory of their life.
“The class has taught me how to work on my anger and communication but it is
still a work in progress. “I know I have to work on it if I want to get a job,”
added Jovontay.
For more information on RVA
C.O.O.K.S call RPD’s Community Youth and Intervention 804-625-0461 and speak to
program manager Dee Anderson at dargenaba.anderson@rva.gov.
Media availability at Graduation
Tomorrow, August 23
(Media guests only,
please RSVP your attendance today to tracy.walker@rva.gov)
12:30 p.m. Interview with RVA C.O.O.O.K.S. student graduate
Devonti Pettiway and mother of a participating student, Shondra Kersey
1
p.m. Graduation ceremony and luncheon
Members of RPD, CYIS – Community Cares Unit
Presenters include: RVA Cooks graduates
Bon Secours Community Health, Sean O’Brien
Richmond City Council President, Dr. Cynthia Newbille
Chef Sammy Davis Jr.
Visuals:
- Presentation
of graduation certificates;
- Display of student culinary creations;
- Graduates
receiving school supplies and kitchen accessories.
Link
to photos from RVA C.O.O.K.S.
