Even though the Culinary Arts Program is used to help our clients develop some skills in the kitchen, I'm really not here to teach. My main goal is to make sure everyone is having fun when they are spending time in the kitchen. Whether were deciding what to cook, reading recipes and preparing ingredients, cleaning up or learning the food groups, it's important to put the emphasis on fun because that's when people tend to retain information. We've started to develop some great cooks here at Chrysalis and the best part is everyone really works together when we are cooking. Some people play bigger roles than others, but we support one another and great things happen when you do that.

When this program first started, our space was limited so we didn't have a lot of people participating. Thanks to some funding grants, we were able to double our kitchen size which has opened this program up to a lot more participants.  

We went from preparing some simple recipes, to cooking staff lunches and now we've developed into full program which is busy five days a week. Usually, we see an average of 4-6 individuals helping out in the kitchen each day. During the week we prepare close to 30 meals and a number of tasty treats including our famous cinnamon buns every Friday (which are for sale)!

A number of individuals have really taken to this program. Jonathan is one man who is a joy to have around. He really has a lot of fun in the kitchen and is someone who can help out some of our individuals who may not be able to do as much as others. He's always on the computer finding new recipes, reading the ingredients and helping create some great meals. He's one of many that have created an amazing atmosphere here at Chrysalis.

Working with our individuals has been so much fun for me because, like them, I love to cook, but also because you learn as much from them as they do from you. Seeing so many bright, smiling faces everyday really make this a special place to work. I've always said the kitchen is the heart of the home.  I believe our kitchen is the heart of Chrysalis.