Organization: Community Kitchen Pittsburgh
Title: Sous-Chef and Chef Instructor
Nominated by: Daniel Czerpak, Career Services manager
Chef Don Burch has worked at Community Kitchen Pittsburgh since 2021. He joined the program as part of our Temporary Job Opportunities program and has since taken full responsibility for the program’s largest contract, as well as leading culinary instruction and mentoring for our Tier 1 students as they begin this life changing journey. Chef Don’s profound impact on Community Kitchen Pittsburgh students sets him apart. Driven by personal experience and deep empathy, he goes above and beyond as a steadfast mentor, empowering them through life’s challenges with unwavering commitment and passion. His support transforms students’ lives in tangible, transformative ways every day. Recognizing the unique barriers and struggles our participants face, Chef Don tailors his approach to meet their individual needs. Whether providing counseling, connecting them to valuable resources, or simply offering a listening ear, his genuine care and investment in their success is truly remarkable. Through his tireless efforts, Chef Don has become a beacon of hope, inspiring students to overcome adversity and achieve their goals. His work extends far beyond the kitchen, making him an invaluable asset to the entire Community Kitchen Pittsburgh program and the lives he touches.
Chef Don arrives early each morning to review the plan for the day and ensure every Tier 1 student is assigned a set of tasks that will help them learn the proficiencies that they need. He then meets with the students during the morning check-in, explaining the day’s assignments and learning objectives. Throughout the day, Chef Don works side by side with the students, guiding them through various culinary tasks and techniques. He takes the time to provide detailed instruction and feedback, helping each student develop their skills. Whether it’s practicing knife skills, prepping ingredients, or cooking full meals, Chef Don ensures the students have ample opportunities to apply what they’ve learned. In addition to the hands-on kitchen work, Chef Don also manages other operational duties. This includes making regular trips to the local food bank to collect donated items for the shelter meals the kitchen provides. He also maintains close communication with the programs team to discuss student progress and any additional support they may need to succeed in the program. At the end of each day, Chef Don gathers the students for a recap session. He reviews the day’s lessons, answers any questions the students have, and provides encouragement and guidance for their continued growth. This commitment to mentorship is a defining characteristic of Chef Don’s approach.Overall, Chef Don’s typical day is filled with a balance of culinary instruction, operational oversight, and one-on-one student support – all with the goal of empowering the Community Kitchen Pittsburgh participants and driving positive change in the lives of those they serve.
History has proven that the first 4 week Tier of our training program can often make or break a student’s ability to adapt to the industry and stay on the right path to gainful and lasting employment. Since Chef Don has taken over the training and mentoring of these new students, we have seen an amazing 8% increase in students who go on to not only complete the program but also gain and maintain employment after their time at Community Kitchen Pittsburgh. This means that on a monthly basis, Chef Don’s amazing training style and passion equates to at least 2 additional students that achieve their goals of removing barriers and truly changing their lives. Without him, it is a very real possibility that these students would not have been able to reach these goals. Over the last year, Chef Don has personally mentored and trained 125 students as they enter our program.Chef Don attended a Train the Trainer event and returned with even more excitement and passion for training and mentoring our students. Even if he is unable to attend the live sessions while they are being broadcast he is always interested in the information and opportunity to continue to grow and develop in his career as a chef trainer.
SPECIAL ALERT!
Thanks to a generous donation from a founding Catalyst Kitchens board member and friend of David Carleton, the Catalyst Kitchen’s Founder’s Fund has an opportunity to raise matching funds up to $5,000 during this year’s Catalyst for Change Award Season!
This is a time-limited opportunity to get your gift matched! Donate now by clicking the button below, before the window closes to double your generosity and impact!
Here are the 2024 Catalyst for Change. As you read their stories, consider supporting the work of Catalyst Kitchens and our members, enabling the amazing impact of frontline staff like our nominees.
