Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Collins.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m a retired Navy Veteran after my 3rd tour in Iraq God told me to come home and work with youth. I came home and found out: I was type 2 diabetic. So, this began my journey, I had to change my life with healthy eating and daily exercise. So, I wanted to share health stay with kids to prevent others from becoming diabetics. I finally decided to open my school. Now, two years later, we’re still here.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road, 1st year was really hard because of we were a nonprofit, raising fund was really hard. Because we were new and hadn’t been open for 2 years, we didn’t qualify for grants and most big companies had criteria we didn’t meet or qualify for.
Please tell us about Youthage Culinary Program, Inc.
Our program is designed to give kids life-changing experiences while preparing them for real-life work experience in the culinary field. We have 3 years Tiny Chef, Junior Chef, and Senior Chef. We also teach kids with special needs.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Cooking in the kitchen with my Mom and Grandma.
Contact Info:
- Address: 508 N. Seymour
Mundelein IL 60060 - Website: www.youthageculinary.com
- Phone: 224-436-0511
- Email: youthageculinary@gmail.com
- Instagram: youthageculinary
- Facebook: youthageculinary
- Twitter: youthageculinary
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