Fresh Starts Culinary Wins New Certification

Fresh Starts Culinary Academy, a job-training program operated by Homeward Bound of Marin, has been recognized as a Quality Program by the American Culinary Federation. Seven programs in California have been awarded this status.

This recognition continues the evolution for Fresh Starts, which began 14 years ago with two to three students at a time in a 500-square-foot shelter kitchen. Homeward Bound, the county’s main provider of residential services for homeless individuals and families, now provides a 3,000-square-foot training kitchen and enrolls up to 80 students per year.

The Quality Program status follows an extensive review of curriculum, assessment of staff and an on-site visit to observe classes as well as inspect facilities. In a statement, the federation says, “Fresh Starts adds depth and great value to culinary education.”

“Achieving this status highlights our commitment to quality training and support services,” says Mary Kay Sweeney, Homeward Bound’s executive director. “We’re thrilled to have this hard-won recognition.”

For Fresh Starts graduate Lilyette Gallegos of Marin City, the training offered a path to success when she felt unsure of her future. She enrolled at 17 while still a student at San Andreas High School, where she was not certain she’d graduate.

“It was the best thing for me. I didn’t know much about cooking but I had a dream of being in culinary arts,” she says. Now 18, she graduated from San Andreas and has recently moved from prep cook to line cook at Sausalito Yacht Club.

“It’s so exciting. What’s been valuable was I learned communication, how to follow recipes and follow up what the chef wants,” she says. “Fresh Starts puts you in the actual setting of working. It’s really helped me.”

Fresh Starts Culinary Academy has been named a Model Member of Catalyst Kitchens, a nationwide network of organizations involved in culinary training and social enterprise. Fresh Starts also partners with the Marin County Office of Education’s Regional Occupation Program, accepting students from the community as well as Homeward Bound residents.

The culinary academy received a 2014 Heart of Marin Award for Innovation, recognizing the transformations that occur among students building skills to advance their futures.

Fresh Starts offers an intensive 18-week training program with training in three different kitchens, as well as front-of-the-house classes. Students take exams to earn both the Food Handler and ServSafe Manager certifications; last year, 82% of graduates found employment within a month of completing the program.

The class is open to anyone seeking to learn new job skills and new students are accepted every nine weeks. To learn more or apply as a student, please see www.hbofm.org/Culinary-Academy or contact Training Director Steve Cohen at 415-382-3363 x231.