New Nashville Center Serves Up Commercial Cooking Course

04/03/2002

NASHVILLE, TN - The Family Center at Berkshire Place Apartments is owned by First Cumberland Properties, Inc. and operated by Family Affair Ministries, Inc., offering low-income residents a unique opportunity to obtain a certification in commercial cooking and land jobs in the food service industry that pays a starting average of $8.00 to $10.00 per hour. The February 28th grand opening of the new Neighborhood Networks center was attended by more than 200 people, including representatives from the mayor's office, Small Business Administration officials, area residents, school and city officials, and others. The event was also attended by several staff members from the HUD Nashville Field Office, including Ed Phillips, Claudia Autry, Beverly Bell, Brenda Cleaver, Mary Dean Day, Julia Moss, Mildred Taylor, Ann Tuck, Joy Wall, and Harold Witt. Visitors toured the still under-construction facility, which will include a physician's and dental office, a conference room, a computer lab configured for up to 10 computers, three classrooms, and a multi-purpose "family room." The highlight of the tour however, was the kitchen. Family Affair Ministries, Inc. has established a commercial kitchen and partners with Second Harvest, a nonprofit that is the nation's largest domestic hunger relief organization. At the heart of this partnership is a community kitchen that will provide two different food-preparation certification classes, under the instruction of Mr. Dair Sutton (CEO of Family Affairs Ministry). Residents who complete these courses will receive valuable skills training, enabling them to begin careers in the food service industry. In addition, Mr. Sutton and the students will prepare meals for a Kids Café program, Meals on Wheels, senior citizens center lunches, a breakfast program, and Workshops and Conferences sponsored by the ministry. The Family Center at Berkshire Place Apartments was established when the new property owner, First Cumberland Properties, Inc. wanted to change the community and culture at the Section 8 property. After a $3 million renovation of the 200-unit property, First Cumberland contracted with Family Affair Ministries, Inc. to manage a new family resource center on the property. In addition to donating five 4-bedroom units to the project, the property owner also provided furniture and kitchen materials. Additional resources came from private donations. Dair and Pastor Glenda Gleaves-Sutton, CEO's & Founders, along with Vera Davis, Chief Operating Officer, and Toni Gaiter Chief Financial Officer, are excited about the new Neighborhood Networks center at The Berkshire Place Apartments, and welcomes the positive change it will make in the community and in the lives of the residents. According to Pastor Gleaves-Sutton, "as believers we must reach people, serve people, teach people and love people with the unconditional love of God. Operating with this as our foundation, the lives of many will change." For more information about Neighborhood Networks Centers in Tennessee, contact: Mr. Ed Phillips U.S. Department of HUD- Nashville Office 235 Cumberland Bend Drive, Suite 200 Nashville, TN 37228 Phone: (615) 736-5069, ext. 3120 E-mail: Ed_m._phillips@hud.gov For more information about the Family Center at Berkshire Place Apartments, contact: Ms. Vera Davis 1500 Porter Road, Building A Nashville, TN 37206 Phone: (615) 228-0125, ext. 12 E-mail: Famministries@aol.com

Phone:	1-888-312-2743
Center(s) Highlighted or Profiled:	Family Center at Berkshire Place Apartments
Scope:	National

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