Napa Salvation Army Opens Culinary Training Academy

NAPA, CA -- The Napa Salvation Army and its advisory board have launched a new Napa Valley Culinary Training Academy that aims to give employable skills to adults engaged in recovery from addiction, trauma or homelessness – to lessen the likelihood of sliding back into a harmful lifestyle dependent on social services.

In addition, it provides a local solution for Napa Valley restaurants and resorts that have been unable to fill positions with qualified local candidates.

The Culinary Training Academy was launched with a Jan. 24 ribbon cutting ceremony at the Salvation Army's 590 Franklin St. location in Napa.

“The Napa Salvation Army will focus this year on providing serious solutions to lift people out of poverty and into self-sufficiency," Napa Salvation Army Board Member Rick Osgood. “Similar programs have been extremely successful in terms of student graduation and employment rates at other Salvation Army locations and is ideal for Napa County. The Napa Valley culinary scene is very sophisticated as are the employers."

The course curriculum, instruction guidelines, course topics and protocols were created by Culinary Institute of America Associate Professor Rebecca Peizer.

“This program is a unique and great opportunity for us to use our skills to change lives,” Peizer said. “Once they graduate they will be able to walk into any restaurant or resort in Napa Valley and be ready to work.”

The course consists of a rigorous four-month program, followed by a two-month internship that will qualify graduates to work in any aspect of the culinary industry.

The culinary program’s first class began on January 9.

Two terms will be offered this year, with each able to accommodate 10-20 students who will attend courses of 6-7 hours per day, five days a week. Included are lectures, meal preparation, labs, group activities and field trips. The Napa Salvation Army says it will also provide facilities and supplies, support staff, and administrative oversight. Students are required to meet course benchmarks, dress and behavior standards.

An element that distinguishes it from similar jobs-training programs is The Salvation Army’s community partnerships. Mentis, Napa County’s longest operating mental health provider, will provide on-going counseling and case management. The agency will work directly with students to ensure they follow protocols and are equipped to succeed in a workplace environment upon graduating.

Local Executive Chef Paul Fields has been hired to do the daily instruction. Fields has spent over 25 years in the culinary industry in Napa Valley and elsewhere.

Applicants must complete an application and interview with members of The Salvation Army’s Advisory Board before they're admitted into the program. Also, Advisory Board members meet with case managers to review applicants coming from rehabilitation programs to ensure a commitment to maintain sobriety and adhere to program standards.

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