Episode notes:
Guest interview: Saulo Cooper
Karey and Justin chat with Saulo regarding the culinary program at Jails to Jobs and how he overcame a difficult personal path to not only thrive but uplift others to do the same.
"I am from Houston, Texas. My childhood was full of trauma (physical, emotional and sexual abuse). I was homeless at the age of 15. I joined a gang and went to jail at the age of 16 for auto theft. I sold and used drugs most of my young adult life.
My first trip to prison was when I was 20. Possession with the intent to sell. I was shot. I went to prison again, when I was 27. This time for aggravated assault and aggravated robbery. In 2009 I was released from prison.
While I was in prison I was saved, and was able to turn around my life. It was a long difficult journey and still today no matter how much ground I have gained, I am often judged because of my past.
I lied about my kitchen experience to get a line cook position. And from there I moved to lead line cook, to sous chef, to executive chef. I became a volunteer Chaplain for Travis County, a Pastor for a church called Just as I Am. Now I am the Culinary Director at Jail to Jobs in Austin, Texas.
Today, I have 3 wonderful children and an amazing wife. I've even won some awards for cooking and I believe in celebrating moments with I cook.
My passion is to give young adults who experienced similar trauma as I have the tools they need to make better choices, and I do it one plate at a time.
Basically I had a tough life which I compounded by not making the right choices. Actually, I did not know how to make the right choices. And God was able to help me turn that around. " - Saulo Cooper
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