Who is happier? Our Kitchen School grad or his employer?

December 18, 2023

It might sound trite, but it’s true: Working in the kitchen at Harrington Raceway & Casino has proved to be a win-win arrangement for David Giblin and his employer. David is a graduate of the Food Bank of Delaware’s Kitchen School, a 12-week food service training program designed for adults with disabilities.

To say that David is happy – and grateful – for his part-time employment as a dishwasher in the facility’s employee cafeteria is an understatement. He’s willing to do whatever Chef Michael Spence might need. “I do my best, and try to do my best every day,” said David, noting that other jobs on his shift might range from stocking the buffet, sorting, prepping, dealing with the cardboard and trash as it accumulates, and wiping down the kitchen.

“Most of the time, I stick with the dishes. It’s a great job, and I’m so thankful. The Food Bank was so helpful with what I needed to learn,” David said. “I get up early to be ready. I’m riding high. It’s the best job I’ve ever had. I never thought anyone would hire me.”

His employers appreciate his work ethic. “Sanitation is an essential part of this industry,” notes Hank Rosenberg, the facility’s COO Hospitality.

“He handles his responsibilities well, and he does what I need him to do,” notes Chef Spence.

At the Kitchen School — in collaboration with chef instructors and job coaches specializing in work with individuals with disabilities — students spend  eight weeks at the Food Bank kitchen learning kitchen safety and sanitation and cooking skills; after that, an additional four weeks is spent transitioning to permanent employment through on-site job coaching

The next class sessions start on Feb. 5, 2024 and run through April 26, 2024. Classes are from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. each Friday.