LYNN — The future looks bright for Root’s most recent alumni.
As their time with the program came to a close Thursday night, two Lynn graduates of the December 2019 class said they have high hopes for what lies ahead.
21-year-olds Tenelle Wood and Saidy Cruz both came to the youth culinary job training program for different reasons, but the two now say they see a future that involves the culinary arts.
Wood is interested in working at a nearby cafe or coffee shop after enjoying an externship at Salem coffee shop Brew Box, while Cruz said she wants to use her ServSafe certification to look for jobs in the area. She added that she’s also considering opening a bakery as a way to make money on the side while pursuing a degree.
“I want to look back on the support Root’s given me, because sometimes it’s hard trying to figure out what you want to do with your life,” she said. “I do want to go back to college and work in the workforce as well.”
Root is an organization that aims to help at-risk youth increase their chances for success through restaurant training and life skills instruction. Thursday’s group was the ninth cohort the program has graduated since its induction in June 2017.
In a short amount of time, Root has managed to make a big impact on surrounding communities. Despite its Salem-based location, Lynn residents make up nearly a third of the program’s enrollment. According to their 2019 Youth Served report, 20 of Root’s 71 students this year were from Lynn.
“This is the first year our number of Lynn students is higher than our students from Salem,” said Program Director Beth Alaimo.
This is partly because Root has already established relationships with several Lynn-based organizations, including Centerboard, Catholic Charities, Girls, Inc., Children’s Law Center of Lynn, and the Lynn Housing Authority.
“We have a lot of referral partners there,” Alaimo said. “Most of our referrals are from what we call ‘opportunity youth.’ (Kids) who are not engaged in traditional school or working, so they’re involved with nonprofits hoping to get on track.”
Because of the diverse backgrounds of the youth it serves, Root has made a concerted effort to not only teach its students necessary skills, but to also make sure every young person who walks through the program’s doors feels like family.
“It’s really welcoming,” Wood said. “They don’t just leave you out, they bring you in.”
As many nice things as the graduates had to say about Root, Root’s staff had even more praise for the kids.
“You all are so talented in your individual ways, and we are so impressed,” Alaimo told the class of eight graduates during a ceremony held in the organization’s event room overlooking Salem Harbor. “Never waver in your confidence in your ability to do something, because here’s your proof.”
One by one, each of the graduates stood as their names were called to receive a small gift bag containing mementos of their time at Root.
As he handed Wood her bag, Head Chef and Instructor Sam Hunt called her “a true leader,” and added that he was impressed by her ability to hold down a part-time job and also make it to her training in Salem five days a week.
“I’m really excited to see where she goes next,” he said. “The future is ahead of her, and with all her confidence, I know she’s going to make an impact.”
When handing Cruz her bag, Sous Chef Robin Swayze emphasized how much Cruz’s positive attitude would be missed by the staff.
“This young woman is a woman with a lot of different passions and even more potential,” Swayze said. “She brought so much energy and positivity. I’m going to miss having someone so kind and giving here every day.”
She finished: “I can’t wait, Saidy, to see what you do next. You are honestly a rockstar.”
