NJRC & Partners Announce Culinary Program for Court-involved Individuals

On May 31, 2023

The New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC), Brookdale Community College, and Fulfill, the food bank serving Monmouth and Ocean Counties, will launch The Culinary Training Program on Monday, June 5 for justice-involved individuals. The 15-week program is designed to provide students with the principles of food preparation through classroom instruction and laboratory experiences.

The program will be offered at Brookdale Community College and Fulfill from June 5 until Oct. 2. After the academic course hours are completed, there will be a follow-up hands-on apprenticeship training at Fulfill to improve the student’s skill set.

Dean Susan Pagano of Brookdale Community College commented, “There are many benefits to engaging in workforce development programs, like the Culinary Training Program, for court-involved persons. The students enrolled in the program will have the opportunity to develop marketable, culinary skills over the course of the training that will open up employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for them. Students will also gain numerous transferable skills that extend beyond cooking, like teamwork, time management, attention to detail, creativity, and problem-solving. We at Brookdale are thrilled to partner with NJ Reentry and Fulfill to develop and offer this important program for the community,”

This partnership expands training and employment opportunities for justice-involved within the Monmouth and Ocean region. Senator Declan O’Scanlon stated, “The Brookdale/Fulfill Culinary Arts Program for NJRC participants is a fantastic example of community collaboration to provide accessible training and education to those seeking a second chance. It is heartening to see our local restaurants join Brookdale Community College, Fulfill Food Bank, and NJRC to make this program a reality. I look forward to seeing the many successes awaiting future students.”

Monmouth County Commission Director Thomas Arnone said, “On behalf of the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, I am thrilled that Brookdale Community College will be partnering with Fulfill and New Jersey Reentry Corporation to allow students to gain knowledge of the philosophies of food preparation and obtain experience through classroom instruction and hands-on exercises,” said Commissioner Director Arnone. “Students will learn knife skills, measuring, identification of tools and equipment, and terms and concepts. This program will also include ServSafe Food Manager Certification, which will provide another avenue for future employment.”

NJRC Executive Director Jim McGreevey stated, “We are particularly indebted to Chairman Arnone for providing the linkage between NJRC, Brookdale Community College, the One Stop, and Fulfill. Through the leadership of Senators Vin Gopal and O’Scanlon, NJRC looks to build upon our past successful efforts in responding to the needs of the local Monmouth economy. Monmouth County is a premier hospitality and vacation destination during the summer months. With Brookdale’s strong reputation for professional accreditation, we offer court-involved persons and veterans an opportunity to rebuild their lives. Thank you to the Monmouth County leadership.”

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