Five York County Jail residents who volunteer their time in the jail kitchen recently graduated from a new program designed to hone their food service skills as they prepare for life once released. Pausing for a photo were, from left, back row, York County Sheriff William L. King, Aramark Vice President Bob Barr, graduates Alexander Murray, David Gibson, Jeremy Griffin, Andrew Hanson and Donald Stewart, Aramark Executive Chef Andy Bain, and Aramark District Manager Bob Love; and in the front, Aramark employee Molly O’Connor and IN2WORK Program Manager Belinda Peterson. Contributed / York County Government

Five men who currently reside at York County Jail in Alfred took advantage of an educational opportunity during their stay that has been demonstrated to result in employment opportunities after release.

The men, who all volunteer in the York County Jail kitchen, have used their time to participage in IN2WORK, a program of Aramark, that in the company’s words, “delivers training, certification, internships, and scholarships to graduates.”

Aramark is contracted to provide meal services at the jail. The Philadelphia-based company employs local staff, augmented by the volunteer trustee jail residents.

On Wednesday, Sept. 25, there was a graduation ceremony at the jail for the men, who all earned certificates as ServSafe Managers – and were awarded a white chef’s coat to mark the occasion.

“It’s a great opportunity, and will help me find employment when I get back into society,” said graduate Andrew Hanson. He said he’s had prior restaurant experience but the certification, which comes through the National Restaurant Association, is a plus that he can take back to the restaurant industry or other food service position.

Jeremy Griffin said he liked the program – and the $2,500 scholarship it offers graduates to help them further their education elsewhere, once released. “It’s been a good opportunity,” Griffin said. “I learned a lot.”

IN2WORK Program Manager Belinda Peterson said the scholarship is good for a 2- or 4-year program of the recipient’s choice. She said residents’ family members are also eligible for the same scholarship.

“You worked hard,” Peterson told the graduates, who studied for certification after their daily stint in the jail kitchen.

Bob Love, Aramark’s district manager at York County Jail, said he’s seen the quality of the work the five do in the kitchen.

“These men are all instrumental” in making sure those incarcerated get their meals, Love said.

“You should be very proud” of the work it took to complete the certification, said Aramark Eastern Region Vice President Bob Barr. He noted that about 280 IN2WORK graduates work for Aramark in educational facilities, hospitals. corporate dining rooms, correctional facilities and in other locations – and that these graduates could as well.

“It’s difficult to be in jail,” said York County Sheriff William L. King. who recognized the men for their work ethic, noted their volunteer efforts result in cost savings for the facility, and thanked them for taking advantage of the program. “You are all up and going to work (in the kitchen) every single day, and that signifies that your time here is being utilized for a positive purpose.”

“I love to see what can happen when you apply yourself,” York County Jail Chaplain Trent Boyd told the five graduates. “I’m so glad you were able to complete this course.”

Graduate Alexander Murray, like some of the others, said he’d also had prior restaurant experience but had never before been offered the ServSafe certification training.

“You can better your life” through such programs, Murray said.

Graduating along with Murray, Griffin, and Hanson were Donald Stewart and David Gibson.

“You each have value,” Peterson told the graduates. “Don’t stop; go forward.”

Tammy Wells is a media specialist for York County government.