REfire Culinary

About

REfire is a culinary training program for people with ­felony convictions, providing basic skills training, job experience and job placement support. The curriculum is developed by professional chefs and culinary educators and will prepare graduates to fill a significant talent gap in Tallahassee’s retail food sector.A criminal conviction makes it extremely difficult for ex-felons to get jobs. But without a job, the recidivism rate skyrockets, meaning those ex-felons reoffend and end up back in prison, putting a further burden on the economy and taxpayers. Ex-felons need job skills training and the opportunity to re-enter the workforce and become skilled and productive members of their community.In addition to providing critical job skills training, REfire staff and students will operate a community-focused catering company that provides quality food products at reduced cost to schools, housing facilities, and elderly meal programs.REfire is supported by local chefs, restaurant owners, lawyers, community organizations, career placement and social service agencies.