REAL LIFE SKILLS REAL LIFE EXPERIENCE

We offer fun and interactive cooking and gardening demonstrations designed especially for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These hands-on sessions help build confidence, everyday life skills, and a sense of pride, all in a supportive and joyful environment.

We are proud to offer our programs to community-based organizations for an honorarium. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, your honorarium is fully tax deductible and directly supports our mission of providing meaningful experiences and services to the community.

We’re excited to expand access and make a lasting impact one life skill at a time!

Our mission is rooted in person-centered learning, promoting health, wellness, and independence. Beyond teaching cooking skills, we aim to impart knowledge in budget-friendly shopping and nutrition. Additionally, we empower our "chefs" to grow their own food, fostering a sense of pride and self-reliance.

The Richard Astwood Jr. Autism Culinary Institute (RAACI) is a minority woman led nonprofit social enterprise that empowers adults with autism and developmental disabilities through culinary education, nutrition literacy, and life-skills training that fosters independence, dignity and community inclusion.