Back to stories
Karis and Humber Culinary Program: Jason's Story
Life after high school can be daunting. The transition from being a teen to being an adult is tough. Will you get a good job? Will you go to college? People with disabilities are still left out of many post-secondary institutions and workplaces, so options after high school can be very limited.
For over ten years now, Karis has been partnering with Humber College to offer a full-time culinary certificate program. The program is a full culinary curriculum, designed to accommodate students with developmental disabilities, so they can get the skills they need to enter the workforce.
Jason is hard to miss as a six-foot tall, 20 year old, with bright orange hair that you can see even under his graduation cap. With a medal around his neck and a bright smile, he stands tall and proud next to his friends, members of the Karis and Humber College class of 2024.
At his graduation last spring, Jason received the Onward Spirit Award for the growth and development he experienced during the program. Jason started classes with his dad sitting in the room with him, and bit by bit, Jason started to gain his independence. He also started to make friends!
“Culinary was almost secondary to what’s being taught here,” said Jason’s dad, Eli. “If there is something my wife and I would give anything for, it’s for Jason to have a community of people he can talk to and hang out with, and he got that from this program.”
Today, Jason is a college student again, now in the mainstream culinary program, sharpening his skills in the kitchen!
Curious to see what Community Participation Supports are available near your? Click the button below to learn more.
