The Art Institute of Pittsburgh

Culinary Students Create Family Thanksgiving Experience with the Parental Stress Center

In honor of National Family Week, The Parental Stress Center (PSC), a regional family services organization, will celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with a special event on November 15. The event illustrates the thematic intention of National Family Week – that strong families are at the center of strong communities.

This year, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh will lend its support to the event through the time and talent of two faculty and six students enrolled in college’s International Culinary School.

PSC and The Art Institute will serve more than 200 individuals who are involved in PSC’s unification, visitation, after-school and financial literacy programs that serve to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Under the direction of The Art Institute’s Chefs David Russo and Jeremy Reed, students will prepare a traditional menu consisting of oven roasted turkey, bread stuffing, red bliss potatoes, candied yams, string bean medley, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls and pumpkin and chocolate cream pies.

According to Chef Russo, students have been challenged with more than the traditional catering goals of great tasting, quality foods served quickly while hot. “Students working on this project are learning more about the emotional aspects of sharing a family meal and are exploring ways to make the meal become the centerpiece to something much bigger,” said Russo.

“Our goal is to promote family unity in every possible way,” said Chef Russo. “Serving a traditional dinner in the family style promotes conversation, sharing, interaction and meaningful dialogue.” Students will deliver family-sized portions of each course.

“What is so great about working with the staff of the PSC is that our students are learning that sometimes how and why a meal is served is every bit as important as the meal itself,” said Chef Jeremy Reed. “The mission of the Parental Stress Center is powerful and important. Working with the dedicated staff there has given all of us a reminder about the importance of a family dinner and a lot to give thanks for this year.”

The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Faculty and Student Team:

Chef Daivd Russo of Pittsburgh’s South Hills
Chef Jeremy Reed of Morningside
Stephanie Chang of Squirrel Hill
John Gault of Pittsburgh, PA (15206)
Mitch Reichner Lewes of Delaware
Bruce Criswell of Elizabeth, PA
Nate Merdell of Dover, OH
Dustin Pringle, New Philadelphia, OH

The mission of the Parental Stress Center:

Our mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect. This is accomplished by providing parenting education, counseling and intensive support services to families and caregivers in southwestern Pennsylvania. We are guided by the fundamental belief in the power of family as well as the belief that every child has the right to live in a permanent home and that children should not drift in substitute care.

We know that the family bond is powerful. Whenever possible, families should be supported and strengthened, so they can effectively raise their children. In the event that children and their parents cannot live together safely, their life-long attachment must be recognized.

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