As I also teach at the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office. I have a special place in my heart for individuals who face challenges in their lives and figure out ways to overcome them and for organizations that help them do it.

That is why I was so gratified to be invited to the second annual Bubbles and Beats event at the culinary school at New England Center for Arts and Technology (NECAT).

NECAT offers job training and employment support to people who have been involved with the justice system, new immigrants, and others for whom getting and keeping a job may be a challenge, and if this event was any indication, they do a great job at it!

At the event, staff and students showed off their beautiful facilities (which include a fully-stocked auditorium/demonstration kitchen and art gallery that will soon be available to rent) and showed how they both offer and deserve community support.

While the food, drink, and music were terrific, the highlight was an impressive cooking demonstration, during which Boston Jerk Fest champ Chef Chris Faison threw together a sauce that I insisted he throw in bottles and sell while Chef Niurka LeBron decimated an onion in mere seconds with her superior knife skills.

Before and after the sushi-grade showcase, program supporters were invited to mingle, dance, and enjoy some of their students and alumni’s most creative creations, including community-minded oysters and freshly-baked s’mores cookies.

Many NECAT alumni have gone on to great culinary careers, including NECAT Instructor Michelene Desmoreau, who has her own catering business and line of spices and is about to open a restaurant in Quincy!

It’s a great way to help people who are motivated to help themselves while supporting the community.