The Source’s Dining with Dignity Training Program Receives Industry Recognition Status

The Source’s kitchen staff, managed by Head Chef Karlos Ayala, is bubbling over with pride since they recently received the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation-Approved Program Recognition status for their Dining with Dignity Training Program.

The American Culinary Federation (ACF) is a professional organization for chefs and cooks based on promoting the professional image of American chefs worldwide through education of culinarians at all levels. It is the largest professional chefs’ organization in North America; made up of more than 14,000 members belonging to more than 170 chapters in four regions across the U.S. As members, The Source recently received an evaluation visit from the ACF Accreditation Commission who determined that the program in place adds depth and great value to culinary education.

The Source’s Dining with Dignity Training Program offers culinary training as a way to change lives. The program helps unemployed men and women replace limited skills, homelessness, addiction, and incarceration with new careers. Six, twelve or 16 week training programs are offered to their clients which provides basic skills needed in the food service industry, and ultimately works with their graduates to obtain jobs. The Source’s core curriculum includes classroom “hands on” kitchen training, knife skills, recipe proportions, meal planning, sautéing and baking, nutritional planning, financial literacy, life and interpersonal skills, individual and group counseling as well as a stipend each week and a graduation bonus.

“This is another red feather in our cap,” exclaimed Anthony Zorbaugh, the Executive Director of The Source, once he learned of the ACF approval. “We are continually proud of our clients who finish the training program and start changing their lives for the better. In fact, just in the last several months, one of our clients started a job at a local Vero Beach restaurant while another rejoined his family in Alabama and is now a manager at a prominent supermarket chain. This recognition for us makes a huge difference on how our training program as well as the catering arm of our operation is viewed by the public at large.”

ACF is the leader in offering educational resources, training, apprenticeship, competitions and programmatic accreditation designed to enhance professional growth for all current and future chefs and pastry chefs. In addition, ACF operates the most comprehensive culinary certification program in the world. ACF is home to ACF Culinary Team USA, the official representative for the United States in major international competitions. They are the standard of excellence for the culinary industry, advancing and promoting professionalism, leadership and collaboration. They are the leader in professional and personal development for the culinary community, while promoting current culinary techniques and preserving the history and skills of the craft.

For more information on The Source, visit www.iamthesource.org, or call Anthony Zorbaugh directly at 772-564-0202. For more information on the American Culinary Federation, visit www.acfchefs.org.