On Wednesday, July 6, students in two of ARC Broward’s nationally accredited career preparation programs – Culinary Arts and Material Handler – will celebrate their graduation.
The ceremony begins at 6 p.m. in The Grand Ballroom at the Sunrise Civic Center, 10610 West Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise, FL 33351.
Eight Culinary Arts students will be graduating from ARC Broward’s 16-week intensive post-secondary educational program combining hands-on culinary education and commercial kitchen experience. The program prepares men and women with disabilities or other life challenges for jobs in restaurant, hospitality and food service industries.
One of the graduates is Matthew Senat. Born and raised in South Florida, Matthew already has some restaurant/culinary arts training. However, ARC Broward has allowed him to gain a better understanding of the industry and ability to improve his skills.
“Overall, this has been a tremendous experience,” he said. “I have enjoyed learning how to prepare different foods, help with events and work with the chefs and other students at ARC Broward.” As for his future, Senat is seeking employment and will be furthering his education in college.
“I am thrilled to witness these seven hard workers, as they celebrate their achievements. They have impressed our staff in their studies, and it is wholeheartedly rewarding to see how far they have come,” said Hector Manon, Chef Instructor. “They really have a bright future.”
ARC Broward’s Material Handler program has 12 students graduating. This 12-week course provides individuals with disabilities with the basic knowledge needed for an entry-level position in warehouse, light manufacturing, wholesale and retail operations. A majority of the students’ time is spent disassembling and sorting computer components and other end-of-life technology at ARC Broward IT Asset Recovery’s 25,000-square foot warehouse located by the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Graduates of the program have advanced into other related occupations, such as customer service or e-commerce sales.
Wendy Dale, a Material Handler graduate, will be speaking at the upcoming ceremony. She is very grateful for the experience and
thankful to the staff who helped her while in the program.
“I loved every part of the Material Handler program. I used to work with children in a day care and wanted to work more with my hands – be more active,” she said. “Not only was I taking computers apart, but I learned about the various components.”
Wendy is now seeking employment and has recently applied for a position with ARC Broward IT Asset Recovery. She also has a
passion for working with adults with disabilities and hopes to make
a bigger impact at ARC Broward.
“ARC Broward is committed to serving people of all ages with disabilities. From preschool through adulthood, our dedicated team is proud to help them reach their goals, especially learning new skills and preparing them for success in the workforce,” said Dennis Haas, President/CEO. “Congratulations to our graduates, and we thank everyone who has given their support to these students who will thrive in their new careers.”
ABOUT ARC BROWARD
Since 1956, ARC Broward has worked hand-in-hand with the community to provide the encouragement and opportunities that create life-changing outcomes so that people with disabilities and other life challenges can live, learn, work and play in their communities.
The not-for-profit organization operates three “mission-based” enterprises that provide training and employment opportunities for individuals served while generating revenue to help fund services. These include the ARC Broward Learning Institute, ARC Broward Culinary Institute and ARC Broward IT Asset Recovery. ARC Broward also provides services through 21 programs in nine locations across Broward County. To learn more or to donate, visit (www.arcbroward.com) or call (954) 746-9400. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
