ReConnect, Inc. was pleased to sponsor Chef Jeff Henderson’s visit to Omaha. Chef Jeff had a great time in the “Cornhusker State” touring Omaha and dining at local restaurants. He also had the opportunity to visit three of the Nebraska state prisons where he encouraged and fellowshipped with the men and women who are currently incarcerated.
Chef Jeff Henderson is a New York Times best-selling author of “If You Can See It, You Can Be It" and "Cooked: From the Streets to the Stove, From Cocaine to Foie Gras" where he discusses his journey from incarceration to becoming a successful Chef and Author. He is also the creator of the Food Network reality show series, “The Chef Jeff Project” and the host of a new television show “Flip My Food.” Chef Jeff is passionate about helping others transform their lives and live their dreams. He is one of the most influential Chefs in the country as well as a highly sought after motivational and public speaker.
ReConnect, Inc. initially invited Chef Jeff to lead a book discussion at Nebraska Correctional Youth Facility (NCYF) as part of ReConnect's efforts to use book discussions to teach reentry planning and life skills. The young men at NCYF were each given a copy of Chef Jeff’s memoir titled “Cooked.”
The young men who cook in the NCYF kitchen had the amazing opportunity to learn the art of food presentation from Chef Jeff. They enjoyed turning mashed potatoes and gravy into gourmet looking meal. The pure joy on each youth’s face was priceless.
The event then expanded into an opportunity for Chef Jeff to visit Tecumseh State Prison (TSCI) and Community Corrections (CCCO). The men at Tecumseh were also given a copy Chef Jeff’s memoir “Cooked” and the men and women at CCCO were given a copy of his book “If You Can See It, You Can Be It.”
While at NCYF and TSCI, Chef Jeff shared his life story and how he made the decision to change his life for the better. From that point, he utilized every opportunity in prison to get better and prepare himself for reentry and overall life success.
On Monday evening, ReConnect, Inc. held a community event featuring Chef Jeff. A powerful message was left with the audience that night, “Before you can have reentry success for individuals or a community, you must understand what gave birth to the criminal mindset.” Chef Jeff challenged the community to prepare themselves as they prepare for those individuals who are returning to society.