Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities practiced meal preparation and kitchen safety during an October cooking class in Port St. Lucie designed to help them become more independent. With Mediterranean chicken on the menu, participants chopped vegetables, prepared ingredients and followed a recipe to make a healthier meal.
The participants are part of the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County’s Guardian Advocacy Program, which provides guardianship support to people with developmental disabilities. Some are young adults who have aged out of foster care. Through a partnership with GL Homes that has lasted nearly a decade, participants receive hands-on experiences and opportunities to develop everyday skills.
Organizers say the goal is to help participants become more self-sufficient while giving them opportunities that are often difficult for them to access. “We wanted to give them these experiences that they just don't have and the rest of us take for granted,” said Sarah Alsofrom, Vice President of Community Relations at GL Homes. Jessica Kelson with the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County said learning new skills and participating in activities can make a meaningful difference. “Being able to watch them learn a new skill or participate in something that's not typically offered to them is just really heartwarming and nice to see them be able to grow,” Kelson said.
By the end of the class, participants had prepared their meal and sat down to eat what they made. One participant expressed pride in the accomplishment and a desire to use her new skills at home. “I'm proud of it,” she said. “I am going to try this at home.”