Families CCAN Cook Community Spotlight: Kevin G.

Sara Crimm, Families CCAN Director 

Families CCAN has been sponsoring Families CCAN Cook since 2020 when the COVID Pandemic closed down workplaces, day programs, and other community resources for individuals with disabilities. All of a sudden familiar opportunities to build skills, make friendships, and enjoy life were gone. So, we “invented” Families CCAN Cook as a way to bring skill-building, interaction, and fun back to our community, on a virtual platform. This on-line cooking class with Chef Mary, a trained cooking instructor, guides participants through the steps of making a great dinner in one hour from the comfort of their own kitchens.  Over 160 sessions later, the program is going strong. We are creating a community of cooks who are developing skills and confidence in the kitchen and building connected relationships with each other. For more information and registration for our next set of sessions, check out our Families CCAN Cook page.

Kevin G. is a frequent participant in Families CCAN Cook, often sending along photos of his finished dishes.  We recently asked Kevin to share a bit more about himself.

Tell us a few things that people like and admire about you:

“I always try my best— whether it’s running, swimming, rugby, or working, I never give up.”

What are your hobbies or things you love to do in your free time?

“I enjoy going to shows (Walnut Street Theater, high school plays, Broadway of Pitman, Bristol Riverside Theater, Bucks County Playhouse, etc.)  I also enjoy any sporting events (Sixers, Harlem Globetrotters, college games, and Bensalem High School games). I’m involved with Hopes and Dreams Foundation, which is an adaptive theater group that recently performed their version of Wicked at Bucks County Community College.  

At home, I like playing video games, watching sports, and watching YouTube videos.”

Do you have a paid or volunteer job?  

“I work at Home Depot.  In May I will celebrate my ten-year anniversary. Also, I recently began volunteering at Bristol Riverside Theater.”

Where do you live and who lives with you?

“I live with my parents in Bensalem, PA.”

How long have you been participating with Families CCAN Cook?

“My Mom and I have been joining the cooking zooms for about one year.”

What are two or three things you like about Families CCAN Cook?  Is it helping you improve your cooking skills?  

“I like Chef Mary’s menus because we get to try new ideas for dinner.  I like working with my Mom to make dinner.  I can gather everything we need, like bowls, measuring cups, and the ingredients we need.  It was tricky at first, but I can use the can opener by myself now.  I set the temperature and timer on the oven when we need it.

I like making dessert the best.”

How has participating with Families CCAN Cook changed your skills or habits?

“Sometimes my sister visits on Tuesday while my niece is at dance class.  Laura looks forward to trying whatever I made that night.”

Name one thing you are planning for yourself in the coming year:

“I can’t wait to go on some cruises with my family this year.  In June, my sister and her family are going with us.  In the Fall, my aunt and uncle and my friend from Special Olympics and his family are going too.”

We are grateful to Kevin for sharing his story and being a part of our community of home chefs! To learn more about how you can join Kevin and the rest of our Families CCAN Cook community, check out the webpage.