Cooking Confidence: How Chef Mara's ILST Program is Transforming Lives at Futures Inc.

At Futures Inc., learning goes beyond textbooks. It's about gaining real-world skills, building independence, and growing confidence--all of which come to life in the Individual Life Skills Training (ILST) culinary program, led by Chef Mara.

What started as a simple cooking class has become a transformational experience for students with intellectual disabilities. Through hands-on cooking, grocery shopping, meal planning, and even food safety certification, Mara helps students develop essential life skills that extend beyond the kitchen and into their futures.

An Unexpected Journey to Teaching

Chef Mara never imagined she would be teaching a culinary program. She started her career working in adult services at a nursing home. Over time, the emotional toll of forming bonds with residents and then losing them became overwhelming. She knew she needed a change.

When she applied for a role at Futures Inc., her plan was to work to support adults in the community. But before she knew it, she was running the kitchen at the Middletown location. A year later, a new opportunity opened up--to teach life skills through cooking at the Futures School. She jumped at the chance.

"I never expected to be doing this as a job," Mara admits. But now, it's one of the most successful and rewarding programs I've ever been a part of.

More Than Just Cooking: Life Skills for Independence

Mara's ILST culinary program isn't just about making food, it's about equipping students with skills they'll use for life. The program is highly individualized, allowing students to learn at their own pace based on their interests and abilities.

Some students start with simple meals like grilled cheese or spaghetti, while others build confidence in using open flames and handling knives. For those who excel, Mara offers the opportunity to earn a ServSafe certification, giving them a head start if they choose to work in food service.

Beyond cooking, the program teaches:

• Grocery shopping and budgeting: Students learn to compare prices, evaluate food quality, and stretch their money.

• Kitchen safety: Understanding food handling, fire safety, and proper knife techniques.

• Workplace readiness: Certified students help prepare meals for school events and assist in the cafeteria.

• Social skills: Meals are shared as a group, helping students build conversation and dining etiquette.

The program is about more than food, it's about confidence, responsibility, and preparing students for their next steps in life.

A Safe Space for Growth

For many students, the kitchen becomes a safe and supportive space. Each class starts with a motivational quote, often chosen to reflect what a student is going through.

"If I know someone had a tough day, I'l find a quote just for them," Mara explains. "It's a way of saying, I see you. I hear you. You've got this."

Students are encouraged to communicate their emotions. If they need a break, they can take one with a timer set so they know when it's time to refocus.

"I set the bar high from day one, but I also let them know I understand their struggles," says Mara. And because of that, they respect me and don't want to let me down. That's what pushes them to grow.

"Chef, You Saved My Life"

One of the most powerful moments Mara experienced was with a student who was struggling with his environment outside of school. "He came in one day and said, 'Chef, I'm just trying to do better for myself,' Mara recalls. "He lived in a tough neighborhood and told me he didn't want to hang around the wrong people anymore. "Mara encouraged him to surround himself with people who uplift him teammates, family, or anyone pursuing a positive future.

That weekend, the student chose to spend time with his cousin, who played basketball and was in college, instead of hanging out in his usual spot.

The following Monday, he came back to class and said, "Chef, you saved my life." That weekend, there had been a shooting outside his grandmother's store, the exact place he normally would have been. "I was speechless," Mara says. "You don't always know if they're listening, but that moment showed me just how much of an impact we can have."

Bringing the Classroom to the Real World

At the end of each six-week program, students receive a certificate and a small gift card as a reward for their hard work. But the most exciting part is the end-of-year restaurant trip, where students take what they've learned and apply it in a real-world setting.

They practice:

• Ordering food properly

• Using table manners

• Dining without distractions (no phones at the table!)

• Engaging in conversation like they would at home

For many students, this is their first experience eating at a restaurant independently. It's a moment that brings everything full circle.

The Future of the ILST Culinary Program

Since starting the program, Mara has helped countless students gain confidence and independence. Some students return for additional sessions, eager to level up their skills. Others step into mentorship roles, helping new students navigate the kitchen.

"The best part is when a returning student helps teach a new one," Mara says, "it shows me they've really learned not just how to cook, but how to lead."

As the program continues to grow, one thing remains the same: It's not just about cooking it's about empowerment, resilience, and preparing students for the future they deserve.