Inclusive Cooking Classes for People with Disabilities

🍴 Cooking with Creativity

A Monthly Inclusive Culinary Program for Ages 10+

Cooking with Creativity is more than just a class—it’s a chance to connect, build skills, and offer peace of mind to families caring for individuals with developmental disabilities. Each month, participants ages 10 and older explore themed cooking and STEM activities in a safe, supported, and fun environment.

✨ Program Highlights

Two Sessions Each Month:
- Junior Session (Ages 10–17): 1:30 – 3:00 PM
- Senior Session (Ages 18+): 3:30 – 5:00 PM
- Hosted at the Work and Play Disability Community Center
Interactive Experience: Participants use I’m the Chef Too! kits to complete an edible STEM-based project, paired with take-home laminated recipe cards or reflection sheets.
Supportive Environment: Small-group model (8 per session), paired teams, and trained volunteers. CLS (Community Living Supports) staff are welcome to attend with clients who need extra help.
Built-In Respite: Each session provides caregivers with 1.5 hours of dedicated respite, giving them the break they often go without.
Sustainable Design: Kit materials are reused throughout the year. Recipe sheets are laminated for durability. Consumables are restocked only as needed.

📊 Community Impact (Over 6 Months)

96 participant slots filled (up to 16 per month)
96 caregivers receive respite time
48 volunteer opportunities created
240+ total individuals impacted, including families, direct support staff, and volunteers
Participants with a wide range of abilities gain confidence, independence, and social connection

💡 Why It Matters

Many families raising children or caring for adults with developmental disabilities face financial strain, social isolation, and lack of access to high-quality enrichment programs. Cooking with Creativity fills that gap—offering inclusive, skill-based learning while also supporting family wellness and community connection.

This program fosters:

Independence through hands-on cooking tasks
Friendship and social skills through teamwork
Caregiver relief through built-in respite
Real community engagement that reaches far beyond the kitchen

💰 Total Cost to Run This Program: $4,767.60

This includes all materials, reusable supplies, volunteer training, staffing, accessibility supports, outreach, and partial scholarships to ensure no one is left out due to cost.

🤝 You Can Help

We’re currently seeking sponsors, donors, and community partners to help us fully fund this program and ensure it continues to grow. Whether you cover one session, sponsor a participant, or fund the full six months—you’re directly investing in skill-building, joy, and inclusion.

📩 Email: info@workandplaycenter.org

Let’s cook up something amazing together.