LINCOLN, Neb. (COLOGNE) – Ybor is changing lives for the better with her pop-up kitchen in Lincoln.
Disguised as a restaurant, the program aims to reduce recidivism rates by training and employing ex-offenders to serve delicious food for the greater good.
Executive Director Bill Radtke said they are now asking the community to help fund the building so they can reach more people who want to make positive changes in their lives.
“Our goal is to be a culinary starting point,” Radke said.
Radtke said he and others involved in the project were drawn to the hands-on approach to social work solutions. He said the program addresses pressing issues such as Nebraska's recidivism rate.
“There are three correctional facilities around Lincoln, and a fourth is currently under construction. And we are part of the solution,” Radke explained.
One of the people Eber helped was Cody Shafer, who was trained as a prep cook.
Shafer said when she enrolled in the program, she had another court date scheduled. That was a decision the judge took into account in sentencing.
“The judge recognized that,” Schaefer said, “and said, 'I see where you're going, and I appreciate that you're taking charge of your life. Let's give him a chance to stay out of jail.''And I ended up on probation.''
He said he hopes Eber's influence will open the door to other opportunities for former inmates in Nebraska.
Click this link to donate to help Ybor open a brick-and-mortar store and change more lives.
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