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Richland cafe trains workers with disabilities to fill demand for restaurant jobs

Tri-City Herald - 2/22/2023

Feb. 22—Columbia Industries presented the four newest graduates of its Opportunity Kitchen program with chef's coats, knife sets and other culinary tools as it celebrated its 10th graduating class Feb. 16 at its training cafe at the Richland federal building.

Opportunity Kitchen is a 12-week program that prepares individuals with disabilities and other challenges to work in restaurants and other food-service settings.

Since its 2019 inception, 38 have graduated from the program, which also provides life skills training and is designed to offer a path to employment.

Students train alongside Executive Chef Instructor Derek Smith on safe food handling, cooking techniques, weighing and measuring ingredients, following and creating recipes, catering and customer service and other skills. All graduates receive a Food Handler Certificate, which is required to work in the industry.

"Our entire team is excited to celebrate the tenth graduating class of Opportunity Kitchen," said Michael Novakovich, president and CEO of Columbia Industries, a Kennewick-based nonprofit that serves people with intellectual and other disabilities.

Columbia Industries is unique in drawing financial support from fees and donations as well as from revenue generated by its for-profit business holdings, which include Paradise Bottled Water, four Tri-City Round Table Pizza restaurants and a package delivery business.

"When preparation meets opportunity, success happens and our graduates are now better prepared for life and career success thanks to their hard work, the dedication of our team and outstanding community partnerships," Novakovich said.

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