Posted by Sharon Lerch
 
 
Rotary Club of Cleveland
Community Service Award
Honoree: Brandon Chrostowski
 
Jennifer Kelly, Chair Community Sevice Commitee and Brandon Chrostowski
 
Each year, the Community Service Committee selects and individual or organization who has demonstrated, in both their professional and personal life, outstanding “service above self” in the greater Cleveland community.  This year’s recipient was Brandon Chrostowski, Founder, President and CEO of EDWINS Restaurant and Leadership Institute.  Brandon was chosen because he has selflessly helped so many people restart their lives and find purpose through his motto, “Every human being, regardless of their past, has the right to a fair and equal future.”  He has created a program where formerly incarcerated adults are trained to work in EDWINS fine French cuisine restaurant, EDWINS Butcher Shop and EDWINS Bakery.  Brandon’s program gives these individuals a foundation in the hospitality industry while providing a support network necessary for a successful reentry.  EDWINS Leadership Institute had a recidivism rate of less than 1%.
 
On a Zoom call, Jennifer Kelly, Chair of the Community Service Committee, gave Brandon the award live from EDWINS Bakery.  Then Brandon spoke to the Club and discussed the mission and goals of the program, why it has been successful, and future plans moving forward.  Members had a lot of questions, and there was a lively Q&A discussion after Brandon’s talk.  It was a great opportunity for Club members to understand how EDWINS Restaurant and Leadership Institute is positively impacting the Cleveland community, the east side’s vulnerable neighborhoods, and attracting national accolades for his efforts.  There was also discussion regarding how the Rotary Club of Cleveland can work with EDWINS moving forward via community service and vocational service avenues.  This program was one of the year’s best and was well-received by the members.