Cooking With Jacob's Chance & VDSA Builds Confidence and Community

There’s something magical about gathering in the kitchen. Whether it’s teaching each other new skills, bonding over a new recipe, or shared laughter, cooking has always been an activity that brings people together. At Good Neighbor Village, we believe that independence and growth come from new opportunities, and sometimes those opportunities begin in the kitchen.

This March, Good Neighbor Village is excited to partner with the Virginia Down Syndrome Association (VDSA) and Jacob’s Chance to host kitchen safety and cooking classes in one of the cottages. This series allows attendees to interact with others, meet new friends, and learn valuable life skills. The classes will take place every Wednesday evening in March from 7 to 8 pm.

Cooking with Confidence & Building Community

At Good Neighbor Village, we’re always seeking meaningful ways to support adults with mild-to-moderate intellectual disabilities as they grow in independence within a safe, nurturing community. This cooking series provides participants with the opportunity to build confidence in the kitchen and feel empowered to prepare meals at home. By partnering with the Virginia Down Syndrome Association and Jacob’s Chance, we welcome new faces into our village and create space for friendships to form through shared experiences.

Learning in a safe, home-like environment helps participants thrive. That’s why the cooking series is led by supportive instructors who welcome mistakes and encourage hands-on learning. Held in a residential kitchen, the classes mirror the comfort and familiarity of home while reinforcing real-world skills. During the series, participants will learn:

• The basics of kitchen safety
• How to use kitchen equipment and tools correctly (including knives and heat)
• How to measure ingredients accurately
• Recipe terminology
• How to read and understand food labels
• How to prepare dishes using delicious recipes

By the end of March, participants will have the confidence and skills to cook a variety of dishes for themselves, their families, and their friends.

How to Join the Cooking Series

Every Wednesday evening in March, one of Good Neighbor Village’s cottages will open its doors with a warm invitation for residents, family, friends, and locals to join in on the joy of cooking. We believe that our community members are more than just neighbors; they are family.

Good Neighbor Village is forever grateful to our partners, volunteers, and staff for their support as we continue our mission to empower adults with intellectual disabilities to develop independent life skills in a safe, nurturing environment. As we look forward to this next month, we can’t wait to see how confidence, independence, and friendships flourish around our family’s kitchen table.

To sign up, please visit the registration page. We invite you to join us as we cook, learn, and grow together.