A Recipe for Impact

• What nonprofit(s) are you involved with?

I’m a supporter of Kind Kitchen Group, a nonprofit working with youth in Durham through hands-on culinary sessions paired with social-emotional learning. They offer after-school programming where students cook recipes, develop culinary skills, and build confidence that translates beyond the kitchen. 

• How did you first get connected?  

I learned about this organization last year while supporting the Responsive Grantmaking Program in my role at Triangle Community Foundation, as well as supporting other discretionary grant cycles. Kind Kitchen Group applied to these cycles, as well as the Bull City Future Fund, a funding initiative in collaboration with the Mayor of Durham’s Office, United Way of the Greater Triangle, and the Foundation.  

While their application didn’t ultimately receive funding, I was struck by how unique and important their work is to the community. I followed up to learn more about how I could get involved. 

• Why does this cause matter to you? What sparked your interest/passion for serving at this organization? 

Their mission really resonated with me. I grew up alongside my mother, who has a passion for cooking, so the programming felt especially meaningful. I also reflected on hands-on classes like home economics and wood shop – experiences that help build confidence and practical skills. I thought it was cool to see this sort of programming in place, especially amongst younger age groups. 

Additionally, nonprofit strength can often be measured by tangible assets like buildings or infrastructure. But what stood out to me about this organization is the connection they have with the kids and families that they serve, which is something that might not be reflected in a grant application. 

After learning more about their executive director, Chef Cecily Johnson, and seeing how deeply her family is involved, I knew this was an organization I wanted to support with my time. 

 

• What does your involvement look like (board, committee, mentor, event volunteer, etc.)? What’s the time commitment like? 

I’ve donated various cooking supplies and had the opportunity to volunteer in the kitchen during an after-school program site visit. As I mentioned, my mom loves to cook, and over time I’ve acquired a lot of cookware from her as well as from extended family. 

 If I know someone who has an extra air fryer or blender or has some spare pots and pans, I try to connect them with Kind Kitchen Group to donate those items. During my time in the kitchen with Chef Johnson and her staff, I was able to interact with the kids and help support them as they prepared recipes. Chef really creates an engaging learning environment. 

• What has surprised you about serving?

What’s surprised me most is the range of ways that people can contribute to a mission like this and how impact can show up in different forms. When you look at what the mayor’s offices are doing not only in Durham, but cities like Baltimore or Chicago, you see that reduced crime rates among youth often correlate with investment into “third spaces.” I think having an after-school space that is so innovative in its programming is such a draw for kids, which is particularly important and meaningful to me. 

•  What would you say to someone who thinks they “don’t have enough time”?  

I would actually challenge them to reconsider and say you do have enough time! When you look at your schedule, try carving out small increments. You don’t have to spend an entire day volunteering. Sometimes what a nonprofit needs most is capacity. That could mean skills-based volunteering, donating small amounts of money if you’re able, or even contributing items. If it’s an organization like Kind Kitchen Group, start with looking around your own home for kitchen supplies that could be put to good use. I challenge you to take just one hour in the next month to explore a cause you care about. Reach out, connect with the organization’s staff, and discover the diverse ways you can get involved.  

• What are different ways someone could support this organization?  

Call your moms, aunts, and grandmothers! Get those crock pots, pots and pans, kitchen utensils together. It's the perfect time for spring cleaning, and we all have items collecting dust that could be put to good use. You can coordinate drop offs with Chef Sicily. Lastly, if you're an educational leader or you operate a third space for youth, consider reaching out to Chef Sicily on how your programs could partner up in the future.