Testimonials

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 My son, JD, has participated in CUC since he was in second grade at Penny Road Elementary School. Through his participation, he has gained so much including a greater understanding of his community and a sense of what it means to positively contribute to his community. It has also allowed him to see how he can positively impact his community.

JD has grown tremendously over the last couple of years, and CUC has been a significant contributing reason for this. Through helping others he has developed a greater awareness of societal needs and means that he can help his community. He takes a lot of pride in this. I believe through his participation, it has taught him compassion, understanding, and a sense that he can have a positive impact on his community that he will carry forward throughout his life.

Through CUC, JD has participated in community service projects that directly affect the Penny Road Elementary School community as well as the greater local community. With great enthusiasm, he attends the monthly meetings. He has participated in several activities including a jump-a-thon fundraiser for his school janitor, he has spent time at an assistive living community playing games with the elderly, he has participated in programs to learn about community safety. He has also learned and practiced baking and craft skills. All these activities have helped JD gain an understanding of community needs and of those who work to support where he lives. When I go to pick him up from the monthly meetings, JD always has a beaming smile on his face and is excited to share what he has learned and done.

Due to the organization and planning efforts of Susan and Matthew and the eager participation of the students, the community has also been positively impacted. CUC has brought much-deserved recognition and fostered appreciation to teachers in the school as well as local firefighters and police officers. To the joy of all those involved, it has fostered interaction between young and elderly. In addition, CUC has provided charitable donations in support of worthy several causes including local dog shelters and children’s hospitals.

It is no surprise that this program is in great demand at other schools. It has provided so much to so many.

I loved being involved in Cooking Up Character throughout my years in elementary school. I made so many friends through it and got to express myself in many different ways while supporting my community. I even got the opportunity to speak about my food allergies and teach others about them. This program really helped me to become prepared for so many different things such as leadership, service, and so much more. I loved being a part of this amazing program and hope that many other kids will get to experience Cooking Up Character as I did. 

 Cooking Up Character is a wonderfully unique program that my daughter and I were proud to be a part of when she was in elementary school. Susan and Matthew do an amazing job coming up with experiences for students to learn new skills to help others. These experiences build confidence, create friendships, connect students to the world around them, and really opens their eyes to the many opportunities they have to make a positive impact on our community. Cooking Up Character offers a way to bring our community closer and creates positive energy. Just what we all need!