CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Some Chicago teenagers, who have been in trouble with the law for so-called “teen takeovers” or other things, have been taking part in a program to learn culinary skills and potentially get a job.
About a dozen teens showed up for the first of three days of orientation at a South Side restaurant called Jerk 48 on Monday. The restaurant, located at St. Lawrence Avenue and 67th Street, was just one of the businesses that activist Early Walker connected with to help teens who have been in trouble.
“This is just a stepping stone to show them that we do care and we're willing to give them a chance,” Walker said. “OK, you messed up. Everybody messes up. I was a teenager once, I've done some stupid stuff I just didn't get caught.”
Davontay White, a 19-year-old who passed muster and is now working, also spoke to reporters on Monday.
“It gives me something to do, something productive and something that I can bring other people into,” he said. “It basically changed my life."
White added that he's no longer embarrassing his parents.
At the start of the three-day orientation, the teenagers were told they're not all going to make the cut.
Said Walker: “At the end of the day, you’re the ones who are going to determine if you get a job.”
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