Exploring Wednesdays…

How do you know where you want to go if you don’t know what it looks like or feels like to be there?  We have to first explore life before finding our direction.  That is the guiding philosophy behind a unique non-profit organization entitled Exploring, which is aimed at the development of young adults – ages 14 through 20 – who, through a series of worksite-based programs, are “trying to investigate the meaning of interdependence in their personal relationships and communities.”

  

We are extremely proud to have now been involved with their Business Exploring program for several years.  Along with two other divisions (Law Enforcement and Fire & Emergency Services), this partnership provides hands-on career education by allowing these students to train side-by-side with ‘the pros’ as well as receiving invaluable tips and perspective during a series of lectures and field trips.  

 

Our current class is spending five consecutive Wednesdays, in March and April, based at our central kitchen and corporate office.  First, led by our President, Paul Neuman, they’ll learn what we do, how we do it, and where we shop for it.  Next, they’re going to take a crack at it themselves.  Supervised by our Executive Chef, Julian Alonzo, and our Pastry Chef, Martin Howard, they’ll be guided through recipe development and kitchen operations, before then joining the production area for some friendly competition as the students create their own dishes and race to decorate desserts.  Finally, it’s time for field trips as we all venture out to Whole Foods and Chelsea Market, spending a day at each location to demonstrate the complexities of food selection and the nuances of vendor relations. 

  

We encourage you to consider becoming a part of this process as these students’ ambition, focus, and unfettered joy have taught us to take nothing for granted and everything to heart.  Please visit the Explorers website and see if you might feel the same way.