The Arc of Hilo was recently given $5,000 from the Rotary Club of South Hilo for the development of a certified “cold kitchen.”
The purpose of this project is to create a learning/teaching space for a culinary training program and catering opportunity for individuals with diverse learning abilities.
The Arc of Hilo’s Job Creation and Event Center, a public venue for conferences and events, will benefit from this initiative by adding catering options, offering prepared foods served and delivered fresh by its clients. The objective is to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by offering innovative, client-based choices for community integration and workforce development.
The ability to access new resources for learning increase the potential to gain meaningful employment and make connections that will contribute to a higher quality of life, increased feelings of self-worth and accomplishment.
“By encouraging healthier cooking and eating, our participants will broaden their knowledge and improve their long term health and well-being,” said Arc of Hilo’s new CEO Michelle M. Hiraishi. “We are excited to grow our programs and are very grateful for this support.”