In a vibrant commercial test kitchen in #Brooklyn, Drive Change, a nonprofit, empowers young people impacted by the justice system through culinary training. Amidst the aroma of sizzling chicken and peppers, fellows learn kitchen skills and receive mental health support, aiming to break cycles of incarceration. Dupree Wilson, once incarcerated, now mentors others, striving for a better future for his son.
With over a million incarcerated Americans, reintegration into society is challenging, particularly for young people of color caught in the school-to-prison pipeline. Drive Change addresses systemic issues by investing in individuals guided by personal connections to incarceration. Through a healing-centered approach, fellows confront past traumas and envision expansive futures.
"A lot of times, people are being incarcerated because of lack of something: lack of access to employment or food. Maybe the education system is broken for a variety of different things, and so we need to tackle the systemic issue," said Kalilah Moon, Drive Change's executive director.
Beyond training, Drive Change fosters community engagement, advocating for food justice in underserved neighborhoods. Graduates like Wilson inspire others, proving that with dedication, anyone can achieve success.
Drive Change's mission transcends culinary training, aiming for societal transformation one individual at a time, emphasizing the humanity behind each story and the power of collective action for a more just future.
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Link: NBCNews
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