Ollie’s Kitchen is a hands-on cooking program for youth ages 6 to 17 at the Gene Lucas Community Center. It gives kids the chance to step into the kitchen, learn by doing, and build confidence one recipe at a time. They are not just watching someone cook. They are chopping, stirring, tasting, making mistakes, and discovering what they are capable of.

We bring in local chefs and community members to share their skills and experiences, giving kids the chance to learn from real people and explore new foods in a welcoming environment. For many children, this is more than a cooking class. It is a place to try something new, feel supported, and know that everyone has a place at the table.

Ollie’s Kitchen is committed to keeping the program free or very low cost for families. With support from donors, we can cover ingredients, supplies, instructor stipends, and program materials, with a general cost of about $25 to $50 per child per class, depending on the activity and recipe.

At the end of the day, the goal is simple. We want every child to leave feeling proud of something they made and confident that they can do it again!

Ollie's Kitchen