Urban Bridges’ “Food Forward,” a free culinary workforce development program, was one of two community efforts recently awarded a grant from the Cogswell Club, a group of Haverhill philanthropists supporting local charities.
Urban Bridges and Whittier Birthplace will receive about $58,000 each from the Cogswell Club.
As WHAV reported in November, Urban Bridges plans to train “Food Forward” participants for full-time employment in Greater Haverhill’s food service industry. The culinary program was voted “Most Impactful Program” at Team Haverhill’s Possible Dreams last spring.
The grant helps the charity renovate the kitchen at Haverhill’s Trinity-Trinidad Episcopal Church. The space requires upgrades to meet health and safety codes. Planned improvements include upgrading plumbing and electrical and replacing old cabinets with stainless counters and shelving.
Haverhill City Councilor Timothy J. Jordan founded Cogswell Club in 2021 and named it after its first charity, Cogswell ArtsSpace, and philanthropist George F. Cogswell.
Others who wish to help by making a donation or volunteering at Urban Bridges are asked to email Executive Director Kelly Townsend at [email protected].