A second chance

Travis Tomczak has had several run-ins with law enforcement in Snohomish County. But the 43-year-old hopes his latest stay at the Snohomish County Jail will lead to something productive. Something that will keep him from returning. “I don’t want to come back here,” he said. “I want to do something productive with my time and learn a new skill.”

Tomczak has a chance with his certificate from IN2WORK, a nationwide program sponsored by Aramark food services that allows inmates to enroll in a kitchen and food safety certification program. Tomczak graduated Jan. 25. He is the perfect candidate for success. But whether he succeeds will be up to him. Many who take the 10-week program focusing on reducing recidivism and preparing inmates for a successful post-incarceration journey don’t make it. 

Tomczak, speaking from the jail’s kitchen, says those who succeed put their all into it. He said he read a workbook three times and took on any task given.

“Nothing was too big or too small.”

Graduates can apply for a scholarship after being released from jail.

Tom Ayson, a lead cook supervisor at the jail for 21 years and an Aramark employee, said Tomczak passed his final test with a 90% score; 70% is passing. Ayson, 71, has seen all types of inmates come through the IN2WORK program. Some take to it. Some can’t get through the book work and written tests.

But for those who do put in the work and graduate, a whole new world could open up after being released. After that, it’s up to them. “This gives inmates a second chance,” said Ayson, a former restaurant manager at Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC. He taught eight classes in 2023.

“You might have some who have never had a job. We’re giving them a skill set to go out there and accomplish something.” Graduates of the kitchen and safety course requirements receive a ServSafe certificate good for five years that can open the door to a new career in the food industry. 

Bureau Chief of Corrections Alonzo Downing said he hopes to provide more thorough records of graduating inmates to see how the program is working. For now, he said he’s pleased. “They can walk out of here with something under their belts,” he said. “It’s good for them, and it’s good for the community.”

Ray Roldan, Snohomish County Jail food services director and Aramark employee, reviews applications from inmates who express interest in IN2WORK’s program, which distributes pamphlets and posters throughout the jail. He forwards them to Downing to determine if they have behavioral issues or other circumstances that could be disqualifying.

Roldan, 52, who has more than 30 years of food service experience, emphasizes the program’s core competency: food safety, which includes proper temperatures, avoiding contamination, and correctly following recipes. “They learn the cooking process and use what they’ve learned in the kitchen. Everything in the kitchen is cooked from scratch.”

Roldan said he has received calls from former inmates who shared their gratitude that IN2WORK provided them with a career. Two former graduates are now sous chefs. “It’s satisfying to know that you’ve helped somebody when they get out and find work. Some of these guys who come here would have experience. They can build on the experience, get that certification and into management.”

The vocational program for men and women started in Everett in 2022. 

Nicole McVaugh, IN2WORK director for Aramark in Philadelphia, said the nationwide program has graduated more than 11,000 inmates, including 2,519 in 2023; 238 graduates were hired at Aramark or other “fair chance” employers.

“Our goal at Aramark Corrections is to reduce recidivism, break that cycle of incarceration through education and employment,” said McVaugh. IN2WORK offers training, certification, internships, and scholarships to graduates. It continues to support them after being released from jail.

“As a commissary provider, we’re really able to do that through our classroom and hands-on training into our program. We take a phased approach to learning. So we combine classroom training, and students have a workbook.  So they’re really diving into all the topics that are really focused on food safety.”

Inmates learn about food temperature and food safety through its Fresh & Fresh Favorites program. “They are doing this every day while working, or while they’re training in our Aramark kitchen. They get their hands-on training alongside our Aramark-certified professionals, who can help build their confidence and competence around food safety, food service operations, and hospitality in general.”

Who is eligible?

“We partner closely with the team in Snohomish County to make sure we have the right people in the program,” said McVaugh. “We want them to want to be in the program, to be successful at food service, but we also want them to have the right amount of time left so they’re leaving with that certification.”

Aramark has several lines of business where graduates can apply, such as healthcare, sports locations – including professional venues in Seattle like Lumen Field – colleges and universities, and large-scale business dining, such as the Seattle Convention Center. The course is taught by the county’s jail’s on-site Aramark food team, and individuals accepted into the program have the opportunity to complete all the necessary training and education requirements prior to their release.

Once students complete the kitchen and food safety course requirements, they take a final test and earn a ServSafe certificate from the National Restaurant Association. Upon release, many of the individuals who receive their certificates through Aramark’s program are later hired to work for the Aramark Corporation.

“It has been an honor to work alongside our partners with Aramark as we launch this new program inside our jail,” said Downing. “It would not have been possible without our incredible kitchen managers and their commitment and dedication to serving our inmate population.”

Tomczak said he was glad to have IN2WORK to keep him busy while in jail.

“I have high hopes.”