EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute

EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute is a unique approach at giving formerly incarcerated adults a foundation in the hospitality industry while providing a support network necessary for a successful reentry. EDWINS goal is to enhance the community of Cleveland’s vulnerable neighborhoods by providing its future leaders. Our mission is to teach a skilled trade in the culinary arts and empower willing minds through passion for the hospitality industry and prepare students for a successful transition into the world of business professionals. Our belief is that we can change the face of reentry across the world. EDWINS aim is to change the face of reentry by demonstrating that every human being has the right to a fair and equal second chance. Nothing more, nothing less. We accomplish this is by creating hope that life can be different for those returning home, an education and skill in a high demand industry, and the support to overcome the barriers society has placed on those involved with the criminal justice system. How: 1. By providing a six-month education in culinary arts and hospitality in a fine dining French restaurant in Shaker Square. 2. By educating the public, through the restaurant and strategic community engagement, that successful reentry is possible. 3. Through EDWINS Second Chance Life Skills Center to provide a six month program on successful reentry including a formal curriculum, life planning, dormitory style housing, alumni housing and a fitness center/culinary library. 4. By providing a nine-month education, the same as taught at EDWINS, in Grafton Correctional Institution. The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections recently finished filming all of the lesson plans to be able to provide the curriculum and all accompanying materials will be made available to all ODRC Institutions. Investing in EDWINS is an investment in hope.