Join Us for Our 6th Annual Rooted in Love Luncheon
Gather with members of our Rooted in Love community as residents, graduates and supporters celebrate the opportunity to flourish that is made available every day to the women of Jasmine Road. Because of the opportunities residents have, such as learning and growing through our social enterprises, they have experienced a chance to belong – a chance to be whole. In their words they are “rising above and taking control” of their lives. In fulfilling our mission to heal and employ survivors, we are providing the tools and teaching the skills needed so women can grow, succeed, and flourish, as they discover the independence that ultimately leads to economic mobility and freedom.
Participating in our luncheon, our only major fundraiser and vital source of income for our organization’s operations, offers a very important way for you to be a part of the impact. We hope you will consider becoming an event sponsor or hosting a watch party at your home or office. Through uniting as a vibrant community of supporters we are helping residents break free from the generational cycle of abuse and poverty that has encumbered them. With your support Jasmine Road residents will realize the empowering freedom that comes from providing for themselves and their children and the accompanying physical, emotional, spiritual and financial wellness. They will know the joy of flourishing!
Interested in a sponsorship? See sponsorship packet online and Learn more here.
Featured Speakers
Brandon Edwin Chrostowski is on a mission to change the face of re-entry in the United States. In 2007, he founded EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute (ELRI) in Cleveland, Ohio, with the belief that “every human being, regardless of their past, has the right to a fair and equal future.”
ELRI is a proven successful mix of award-winning French cuisine, and top-tier table service combined with a unique and revolutionary social cause. EDWINS is the only white tablecloth restaurant in the country whose staff consists entirely of formerly incarcerated men and women in both the kitchen and the front of house.
Envisioned and established by Chrostowski, the organization’s mission is to give formerly incarcerated individuals a foundation in the hospitality industry while providing a support network necessary for successful re-entry to life outside of prison. Individuals are not only equipped with basic culinary skills, but are also assisted with finding employment, housing, basic medical care, clothing, job coaching and literacy programs.
With 100 graduates each year, a 95% employment rate after graduation and a 1% recidivism rate, the success of this work and other initiatives led by Chrostowski has earned him awards such as being named a 2016 CNN Hero and the recipient of a 2020 IFMA Silver Plate Award. He has been featured on TODAY, CBS This Morning Saturday, NPR, and is the subject of the Academy Award nominated documentary, Knife Skills. Luncheon participants will hear a powerful message from Chrostowski, whose work closely aligns with the mission of Jasmine Road.
Kyshona Armstrong is an artist ignited by untold stories, and the capacity of those stories to thread connection in every community. She lends her voice and music to those that feel they have been silenced or forgotten, with a common thread of empowerment, overcoming adversity, and finding hope in her work.
To aid in their healing, the residents of Jasmine Road had the opportunity to participate in Kyshona’s therapeutic songwriting program and the song they created was debuted at our 2021 luncheon. Kyshona will reprise our song, “No Turning Back,” and offer luncheon participants the opportunity to be among the first to hear our new song, “Love is the Light,” crafted with the residents this year!