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How one Ohio nonprofit is making a difference.
This article is about:
Our commitment to community nonprofits.
How a Ohio-based business utilized their $50,000 grant.
In June 2020, we announced a commitment of $4 million to community nonprofits for social justice, equality and rebuilding communities we serve. One year later, we’re taking a look at how those funds have been put to work.
EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant, a Cleveland, Ohio-based nonprofit received a $50,000 grant from the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, helping to create equitable career pathways for formerly incarcerated citizens—one plate at a time.
The nonprofit was started in 2007 by Brandon Chrostowski, Founder, President and CEO, who was incarcerated at a young age and later mentored by a chef.
“French cooking got me off the streets,” Brandon said. “This was an easy concept to wrap my head around.”
EDWINS focuses on providing culinary arts education and assisting adults in finding employment, sometimes at the nonprofit’s restaurant, bakery or butcher shop. Nearly 100 students graduate from the program every year and are provided with tools for successful transitions. At least 95% of these graduates find employment, with less than 1% relapsing into criminal behavior.
Brandon describes the institute as a “hug around people” with a housing network, fitness center, library, free clothing and other services. There’s also a small animal farm tended to by students and a vegetable garden in the works.
A smooth re-entry into society can be very difficult for some, often because of the stigma their communities place on them.
“It’s an injustice how people are branded because of their pasts,” Brandon said. “We want people to know there’s hope and we have a real way to help.”
Most students come from the Cleveland area, but up to 8% travel from out of state to participate in the program, and that number is expected to rise. EDWINS consults across the country to help open similar restaurants, but its unique placement in Shaker Square, a melting pot of demographics within the city, makes it a great place for connections.
“You may be coming from the suburbs and hear that you’re going to be served by someone who’s recently out of prison,” said Rob Platt, Vice President of Development. “You don’t know the nature of their crime, but you come to realize that they’re just people who want a second chance at life. We’re changing perceptions and Dominion Energy has been part of that.”
Dominion Energy will continue to support nonprofits that advocate for social justice and equity where we live and work. Organizations like EDWINS Institute & Restaurant are making a difference and instilling positive change in the Cleveland area and beyond.
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