March 29, 2021
“This class gives us hope and the opportunity to shine,” said Kenneth, an inmate who recently graduated from IN2WORK, a program sponsored by Aramark in partnership with the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office.
Introduced this year in the Adult Detention Center (ADC), IN2WORK expands upon the ServSafe classes that have been offered in the ADC for more than a decade.
In addition to several weeks spent learning kitchen basics and restaurant management responsibilities, IN2WORK participants spend time in the classroom learning how to be a successful job applicant. They are encouraged to apply for jobs with Aramark upon their release from incarceration.
Kristin Sanseverino is Aramark’s food service director in the ADC. “We run an instructional kitchen, so learning and doing are the goals,” she explains. “In addition to learning how to operate a kitchen, we hold classes on life skills. I teach about resume writing, filling out applications and interviewing. I hold mock interviews. The class also practices introducing themselves and making a statement about why they should be considered for employment, even with a criminal history.”
Each of the four inmates in the first IN2WORK class has a unique role. Henry is the production cook; Kenneth is the sous chef; Lee is the baker; and Kirk is the inventory specialist. These inmates stand out from the rest of the kitchen crew with their bright white chef jackets monogramed with the program name.
In addition to preparing three meals per day for approximately 600 inmates in the ADC, the In2WORK crew operates the staff food line under the supervision of Aramark staff.
Nicole McVaugh is the national IN2WORK program director for Aramark and visited the ADC to celebrate the success of the four graduates. “Through education and employment opportunities, we can help returning citizens sustain new lives for themselves and their families,” said McVaugh. “We’d like them to start working for Aramark and then grow their career, whether with us or in another realm.”
Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid is a strong supporter of second chances for those who are committed to turning their lives around. “Reentry programs such as IN2WORK not only impart valuable skills needed for employment, but they also instill in the individual a sense of pride with each accomplishment and a healthy respect for managers and peers. The goal for every education, life skills and therapeutic program we offer is to reduce the chances an inmate will re-offend and return to jail.”
Henry, age 36, is nearing his release date and is eager to start a career with Aramark. “This program is definitely a restart on my life,” he said. “If you want to get your life together, anything is possible at any age.”
For more information about the IN2WORK program, please email the Sheriff’s Office.
