Beginning in 2018, the Browns partnered to support EDWINS in unison with the team's work in the social justice space through its Be The Solution platform. Beginning with an initial $75,000 donation made by the team and its players through the NFL's social justice matching funds program, the organization as a whole has supported EDWINS' mission and vision through funding, year-round engagement opportunities and more.
Located in the Shaker Square neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio and founded by Brandon Chrostowski in 2007, EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute believes that every human being, regardless of their past, has a right to a fair and equal future. EDWINS serves as a key bridge for formerly incarcerated adults to prepare for their transition back home.
Founder, President, and CEO of EDWINS, Brandon Chrostowski is a living testament of the organization's work to provide second chances to its students through his own personal life journey. At the age of 18, Chrostowski was faced with a 10-year prison sentence which was ultimately lessened to one year of probation where he began his culinary journey. Chrostowski's life experiences and work at The Culinary Institute of America in New York ultimately led to his desire to create a pathway for others like himself.
EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute offers formerly incarcerated adults a foundation in the culinary and hospitality industries and a support network necessary for long-term success. During enrollment, students receive training and hands-on work experience, free housing, legal services, basic medical care clothing, job coaching, literacy programs and more at the Second Chance Life Skills Center campus. Originally opened in 2016, the Second Chance Life Skills Center is a 30,000 square foot facility open to all EDWINS enrollees.
Since 2018, the Browns have contributed over $400,000 to EDWINS with the goal of strengthening its core programming aimed at supporting the organization's 95 percent employment rate and less than one percent recidivism. Funding has been critical in supporting the organization's Second Chance Life Skills Center, providing professional certifications and licenses and creating access to essential curriculum.
In continuation of this support, the Browns helped sponsor the release of EDWINS' curriculum to more than 45,000 GTL tablets in prisons across the country. GTL is a one-stop source for integrated technology solutions in providing Rehabilitative Education Solutions that can be used by any type of State inmate, juvenile offenders, inmates, probationers and more. The curriculum included gastronomy, culinary math, menu prep, ServSafe certification exam preparation, Front of the House (FOH) training, including drink preparation and bartending, and Back of the House (BOH) training, including food selection and preparation. Participants in the virtual program have been invited post-incarceration to enroll at the institute in Cleveland. The Cleveland Browns sponsored travel costs for the first cohort of 25 students, allowing them to gain hands-on instruction from EDWINS itself and ultimately graduate from the program.
The work of Chrostowski and EDWINS has not halted, in the spring of 2024, the organization officially launched its "Pathways to Ownership" program in partnership with the Browns and with the support of the Cleveland Foundation. The program aims to empower business owners from disadvantaged backgrounds by leading them through a comprehensive six-week accelerator program towards establishing successful restaurant ventures.
The program aims to teach its students all of the required information necessary when opening and running a restaurant. Alongside JumpStart, a venture development organization focused on providing capital, services and connections to help entrepreneurs grow across Northeast Ohio, educational sessions will help to provide additional support in creating success. Information including finding business locations, how to execute capital improvements, networking, openings and more aim to provide students with real-world examples on how to create a successful business plan.
As students completed the six-week accelerator program, participants had the opportunity to pitch their business concepts to industry leaders. Through this pitch-styled opportunity, participants had the chance to receive no-interest loans funded by EDWINS, the Browns, the Cleveland Foundation, JumpStart and other private benefactors.
The impact of EDWINS and its programming alongside the Browns has also been seen outside of the kitchen and Second Chance Life Skills Center campus.
Each season, the Browns partner alongside EDWINS in providing hundreds of ticketing opportunities to private events, Training Camp practices, gameday and more. As a sponsor of their annual fundraiser, La Bastille, a celebration of the French National Holiday, more than 400 guests attended, including Browns leadership and alumni, the event has been a key factor in the raising of funding for its programming and growth.
Most recently, a group of more than 20 EDWINS students participated in the Browns 'Social Justice' theme day at Training Camp in August, alongside multiple local community groups and leaders. Additionally, EDWINS students were on-site during the last open Training Camp session providing food to fans in attendance. The goal of creating meaningful conversations to better the local region helps further drive the mission for EDWINS in creating a holistic approach with its students.
Browns players over the years have developed close relations with EDWINS through annual on-site visits and engagement. Last season, the Browns social justice committee and other current players including DT Shelby Harris and WR David Bell toured the Shaker Square facility and enjoyed a full course meal courtesy of students. Most recently, DT Maurice Hurst II and News 5 reporter Camryn Justice visited EDWINS as part of 'Mo Eats.' The pairing enjoyed multiple cuisines including Cuisses e Grenouille, Vichyssoise and more.
The impact of Chrostowski and EDWINS on both the local and global stage has resulted in accomplishments far exceeding the classroom and kitchen. A 2016 CNN Hero, 2018 Academy Award nominee, 2020 IFMA Silver Plate and 2023 Inspire Change Jim Brown Changemaker Award recipient, Chrostowski continues to create longstanding change across the world.
To learn more about EDWINS and the Cleveland Browns Be the Solution platform, visit https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/community/be-the-solution/.
