Cooking has the power to connect people over something that just about everyone enjoys: Eating!
Wall Day Habilitation gives attendees the opportunity to explore skills related to preparing a meal while connecting with their peers over something they created together.
The cooking classes are organized and run by Katrina Lynn Gai, CISS. Each month, the whole day program group comes together to choose which meal should be the focus of that month’s class. Since the beginning of the classes, some favorites have included macaroni and cheese, smoothies, and mashed potatoes, sloppy joe sandwiches, and more.
“Food is something that brings everyone together,” Keyarah Searles, Program Manager at Wall Day Habilitation, said. “These classes allow everyone to participate and try new things.”
During the discussion and planning portion, participants are able to practice voicing their desires and making compromises with others who will also be participating in the class.
“I always make sure that everyone has the opportunity to participate,” Katrina Lynn Gai, said.
Cooking classes typically take place during the same week. Each day, a different small group participates in all of the steps required to plan, procure, and produce a meal. The day begins with a trip to the grocery store where everyone works together to find the ingredients they will need to make their desired dish.
Once they are back at the program, the cooking starts.
“These types of activities give our attendees even more opportunity to practice skills that they can bring home with them,” James Daskalakis, Director of Day Habilitation Services, said. “This cooking class and other classes we provide allow our participants to share common interests, support and challenge each other, and grow together. That’s the definition of community.”
The classes are also loved by the folks who attend them.
“I think it is good to get involved in everyday things,” said one of the participants in the program. “I want to show the world that we are more than just our disabilities.”
“I don’t even care what we eat, I just love cooking with everyone.”
In addition to cooking classes, programs throughout Allies’ day habilitation sites include music therapy, inclusive fitness classes, Special Olympics gym participation, horticultural therapy, community engagement and outings, and much more.
For more information about Allies Day Habilitation programs, please contact Beth Lopez, VP of Day Habilitation Services by emailing bcarey@alliesnj.org.
