MILWAUKEE – County Supervisors Ryan Clancy and Joe Czarnezki are requesting that potential surplus tax levy funds be used to renovate the Detention Center kitchen at the Vel R. Phillips Youth and Family Justice Center. A newly renovated space with commercial kitchen equipment would allow for an onsite community-supported culinary apprenticeship program for youth to be developed.

A culinary apprenticeship program could have a tremendous positive impact on youth in the County’s care,” said Supervisor Czarnezki.

The Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) staff indicated they have the capacity to support culinary apprenticeship programming in an upgraded kitchen space.

“This project has generated substantial public interest and support,” said Supervisor Clancy. “Restaurateurs and chefs have pledged to support the program by providing in-kind donations and volunteering their time.”

At its November 5 meeting, the Milwaukee County Board adopted a resolution directing the Office of Performance, Strategy, and Budget and the Office of the Comptroller to “explore the possibility of using a portion of any projected surplus County funds for one-time use expenditures to achieve efficiencies and/or deliver crucial services.”

These offices will provide a report to the County Board in December. Supervisors Clancy and Czarnezki have asked that this report include renovating the kitchen at the Vel R. Phillips Youth and Family Justice Center to facilitate a culinary apprenticeship program for youth.

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