REfire is a culinary training program for people with ­felony convictions, providing basic skills training, job experience, and job placement support. The curriculum is developed by professional chefs and culinary educators and will prepare graduates to fill a significant talent gap in Tallahassee’s retail food sector.

A felony conviction makes it extremely difficult for people to get jobs. But without a job, the recidivism rate skyrockets, meaning those individuals re-offend and end up back in prison, putting a further burden on the economy and taxpayers. Justice-involved individuals need job skills training and the opportunity to re-enter the workforce and become skilled and productive members of their community.

In addition to providing critical job skills training, REfire staff and students operate a community-focused catering company that provides quality food products at a reduced cost to schools, housing facilities, and elderly meal programs.

REfire is supported by local chefs, restaurant owners, lawyers, community organizations, career placement, and social service agencies.