Honorable Kim Berkeley Clark and Juvenile Court Judges Hire Auberle Culinary Arts Students to Cater Luncheon Meeting

The Allegheny County Juvenile judges meet on a regular basis with both the public defenders and the private conflict counsel attorneys.  Normally, local restaurants cater these meetings, but after attending a previous banquet catered by the Auberle culinary students, Judge Kim Berkeley Clark made the decision to hire them for this round of meetings at the family courthouse.  The menu included wedding soup, Caesar salad, meat and vegetable lasagna, and peanut butter brownies for dessert.  It was a great opportunity for the Auberle students to showcase the skills they have learned during their 15-week program.  In addition, each student earned a stipend for their participation, which can go towards their restitution.  This type of experience not only provides the students with invaluable experience in foodservice, but also generates confidence and a sense of pride money cannot buy.

Judge Clark, who has served as a family court judge for 10 years, primarily in juvenile court, gave the students the opportunity.  In addition, she also was the Administrative Judge for family court from 2005-2009.  Judge Clark was also the president of the Allegheny County Bar Association in 2006-2007. 

Auberle has helped nearly 2,000 youths and their families last year across ten southwestern Pennsylvania counties. With over 200 full-time staffers and more than 500 volunteers it provides residential care, foster care, emergency shelter, in-home intervention, educational programs, mental health programs, and drug and alcohol treatment.

Beginning in the spring of 2007, Auberle’s Culinary Arts Program is offered to youth between the ages of 16-18 who are interested in pursuing careers in the Food Service Industry. Graduates leave the program with the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain positions at such fine-dining restaurants as The Common Plea, where one graduate has already worked. The students learn about food preparation, food safety, and working knowledge of day-to-day operations of a food service department.  Each student also has the opportunity to earn his or her Servsafe certification upon completion of the program.  Since it’s origin the program has certified 22 students.  After certification, students go on to Culinary Vocational Technical School or complete a paid internship in Food Service.  During the course students get to show off their talents and skills through catering events like the ones for Judge Clark and various events at Auberle.