Linkenheimer LLP is proud of the support it offers to all of the employees who volunteer their time to community organizations and activities. It is especially gratifying to see a local non-profit achieve success and expand its mission to the community.  In this regard, it is noteworthy to share this good news. 
Worth Our Weight, WOW www.worthourweight.org the esteemed culinary apprentice program for at-risk youth, continues to fulfill the dreams of its Founder and Executive Director, Evelyn Cheatham. 
First was the dream of such an organization; to reach out to the community and offer the chance to learn culinary and restaurateur skills to young people who might not otherwise have such a life opportunity.  The dream came from Evelyn’s work with the Sonoma County Probation Department where she worked with young adults on probation teaching them “how to cook”. She saw the transformative effect that preparing meals had on these young people and decided to expand on the idea, followed her dream, and WOW was created. The WOW apprentice program has between 9 and 14 apprentices per year. In addition to the program, for the past ten years, Evelyn, along with a cadre of local chefs and many volunteers, has provided Christmas dinners to anyone in need of a home-cooked meal.  Evelyn and her crew will be hard at work again this Christmas preparing and delivering over 500 holiday meals. 
Then there was the dream of having a safe and secure location where apprentices, who might only know the streets as their home, could stay during their apprenticeship. Through the dedication of volunteers and tremendous community support, the “WOW House” was acquired, and a place to call home was created. The WOW house currently has two apprentices who call it home, and a house parent who oversees the running of the house and supervises the kids.
Now another dream of Evelyn’s is coming true: To have a small restaurant which serves the community, uses all local products, and employs  graduates of WOW. Thanks to Summit State Bank, who is dedicated to supporting local non-profit endeavors, and the growing number of community supporters, WOW has acquired the property at 327 South A Street that currently houses the Cookhouse. We will have to wait and see what is in Evelyn’s dream for fare, but based on her “dream track record”, it is certain to be a success.
Steve Miksis, LinkedIn Profile Senior Manager at Linkenheimer LLP has been involved with Worth Our Weight for three years, is a Board member and the current Treasurer.     
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