Nov 1, 2007 10:39 pm US/Eastern
Culinary School Gives Drop Outs A Second Chance
OPA-LOCKA (CBS4) ―
Life was not easy for high school drop out Chris. He served some time in jail and could have headed for more difficult times had he not made the decision that would change his life forever, joining the "Badia Spices and Publix Supermarket Culinary Program."
"It makes me feel great. It makes me feel like I can have self confidence and self esteem and gave me a little bit of outlook so I can be something in my life," Chris said.
Certified executive chef Aldo Noudali is not only teaching Chris, but a whole group of high school drop outs and convicted felons, how to cook in a state of the art kitchen.
"I like to help the kids that I can see what they have been doing in their lives," Noudali said.
Antonio, another hopeful in the program also realized he had to change his life around.
"It's time for me to make a change and do something positive with my life instead of hanging out on the corners all day, " he said.
The program, funded by private donations is part of the "Here's Help" drug treatment facility in Opa-Locka, founded by legendary South Florida radio host Footy.
"If we don't get out and raise scholarship treatment for them, they'll just end up back on the streets to more crime, more death, more overdoses, more burglaries and more wasted lives," said Footy who also raises money for the program.
As for Chris, he refuses to waste his life and is moving forward.
"It took me from a negative outlook on life to a positive, to show me I can do something with my future," he added.
The "Badia Spices and Publix Supermarket Culinary Program" plans on trying to get the young men scholarships so they can go to college and become certified executive chefs.
To make a private contribution to "The Badia and Publix Supermarket Culinary Arts Program," contact the "Here's Help" business development manager Rixys Diaz at (305) 873-3806. YOU CAN ALSO CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
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