MSO IN THE NEWS...
RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
CHEF / AUTHOR SPEAKS TO GRADUATING INMATES
**************************************************************************************
On Wednesday, June 6th 2007 Sheriff James V. DiPaola hosted the 3rd Inmate Culinary Arts Graduation at the Middlesex House of Correction in Billerica. At the event inmates and invited guests heard from Chef Jeff Henderson, author of the New York Times bestseller, “Cooked: From the Streets to the Stove, from Cocaine to Foie Gras.”
Chef Henderson cultivated his passion for cooking while incarcerated in the federal prison system. Formerly the Executive Chef at Café Bellagio in Las Vegas, Chef Henderson’s moving tale of redemption and perseverance certainly inspired all in attendance.
In July of 2006 the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office instituted an innovative and progressive new education / rehabilitation program within the walls of the Middlesex House of Correction: the Inmate Culinary Arts Program. After almost 400 hours of training in a twelve-week course, all graduating inmates earn a Certificate of Participation from Shawsheen Technical High School, a five-year SERVSAFE sanitation certificate and the opportunity to transfer nine class credits to Middlesex Community College. These individuals gain the skills necessary to start a career in the food industry and become productive members of society.
“We may not be able to provide inmates with a spice rack or some new pots and pans, but we can give them hope, bolstered by opportunity,” Sheriff DiPaola said. “These inmates have begun the process of breaking the cycle of criminal behavior. They turned their incarceration into an opportunity and life changing experience. In doing so, they are taking the first steps down the Chef Jeff Henderson path to success.”The graduating inmates were recognized for their hard work. After the ceremony a tasting of the inmates’ culinary cuisine was available.
Please contact PIO Michael Hartigan for details: 781-960-2805
###