Get to Know the Bloom Culinary Training Program
Paraquad’s employment programs offer the chance to explore different careers and find an area you’re passionate about. The Bloom Culinary Training Program is the only project of its kind in the St. Louis area. The program provides certifications through the National Restaurant Association. In addition, the program is certified by Missouri’s Department of Higher Education and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
Bloom graduates finish the program with all the necessary certifications to pursue hospitality and food service careers. There’s so much more to learn about this employment program — read on to discover key details and a notable success story.
The Basics
The hospitality and food service industry offers consistent jobs for people with intellectual disabilities, limited mobility and more. This program is open to anyone with a disability who is over the age of 18 and expresses an interest in culinary careers. Applicants sit down with Chef Kelly Ross to see if the program is a good fit for their ambitions — from there, the selected students enroll in training for 15 weeks.
The Bloom Culinary Training Program meets Monday through Thursday in person and Friday over Zoom. Certified culinary instructors assist students with identifying the kitchen position they’re most interested in, such as food preparation or sous chef. All students will learn:
Sanitation and food safety
Knife skills
Cooking and baking
Customer service
Program Timeline
The first few weeks of the program take place in Paraquad’s classroom, where students learn expectations for the class and safe practices. Students then receive hands-on kitchen training at the St. Louis Midland Division of the Salvation Army.
Near the end of the Bloom Culinary Training Program, Paraquad assigns each student to an employment specialist. Our specialists are trained to find jobs for people with intellectual disabilities, limited mobility and any other disability. Job opportunities may depend on where a graduate lives or wants to work — but historically, Paraquad successfully placed graduates in nursing homes, retirement communities, catering companies and a variety of location restaurants.
Success Stories
Nyesha Bourrage, a culinary graduate, shared that her experience at Paraquad was overwhelmingly positive. Her favorite part was the people, including her mentor and Paraquad’s employment director, Candice Zottarelle.
“My experience from Paraquad is that everybody is friendly, nice and helps people who have disabilities — helps them grow and supports them,” Nyesha said.
Throughout her time at Paraquad, she developed skills that would be important in the workforce. She took reading and writing classes, as well as cooking classes led by Chef Kelly. She learned kitchen skills such as food safety, serving and working in restaurants. By the end of the program, she felt ready to take the world on independently.
“Paraquad helped me be independent and learn about living by myself,” Nyesha said. “Paraquad helped me learn and grow a little more. They’ll help you find a job.”
Join the Program
The Paraquad team always welcomes new applications for the Bloom Culinary Training Program. Classes lock before the start of the spring and fall semesters — but our team is free to chat any time throughout the year and get you signed up for the next available semester.
Paraquad facilitates training and job opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities, limited mobility and any other disability. To request an application or additional information, contact Candice Zottarelle at czottarelle@paraquad.org or Chef Kelly Ross at kross@paraquad.org.
