Tia

- Edwins -

When Tia came home from jail, she felt stuck in a rut. She did not know what way to go and eventually found her way to EDWINS looking for a better future. “I just came by to apply, and they took a chance on me. It turns out that was the greatest day.” A few weeks into the program, Tia felt like the family atmosphere at EDWINS had given her both confidence and the tools she needed to succeed in a culinary career. She built a strong connection with Chef Ashley and Steve who teaches Leadership Development. Those courses have helped her to see herself in a positive light and led to a feeling of empowerment over her future. The highlight of her experience at EDWINS has been the opening at our new restaurant location. She was featured on Fox 8, Cleveland.com and other media outlets. After her Fox 8 feature, she noted, “I had my parents and friends calling me to tell me how proud they were of me after seeing that. It made me cry to see the pride people had in me now.” Tia recommends the program to anyone who has been affected by the justice system.