Sycamore Services Participant is Dishing Up Good Eats in Hendricks County
Writer / Matthew Kent
Photography Provided
A Sycamore Services participant working toward his dream of becoming a chef is sharing his passion in Hendricks County.
Danville resident John Luecht pursued his career in the food industry in 2014 at McDonald’s in Plainfield, where he cleaned tables and dishes for nearly six years. He decided to attend Erskine Green Training Institute in Muncie, which provides postsecondary vocational training for adults with disabilities. It also offers training programs in food service, health-care support and hospitality.
Luecht received an industry-recognized certification as a kitchen cook through the institute one year ago.
If you’ve attended Charbonos in Avon for an evening meal, it’s likely that Luecht helped to prepare your appetizer, pizza or dessert in the six months he was employed there until this past May. This summer he served as a cook at Camp Tannadoonah in Vandalia, Michigan, where he also put his culinary skills to good use, in addition to cleaning and sanitizing as needed.
He is also playing a role this year in feeding more than 1,000 children enrolled at Plainfield Community Middle School, where he works as a cook making pizzas and cookies during the week.
Luecht has worked closely with his employment consultant Clay Cramer, who provided support for four job interviews Luecht had in Danville, Avon, Brownsburg and Plainfield for food service positions.
“John was offered jobs from all four locations,” Cramer says. “John had the luxury of choosing where he wanted to work.”
Luecht and his family ultimately determined that Plainfield was the best choice for him, and he began working for the Plainfield Community School Corporation on September 9.
“John has made an outstanding impression on his managers and co-workers,” Cramer says. “John has already established himself as an important member of the food service team at Plainfield Middle School.”
Mission Statement:
Sycamore Services, Inc. makes a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities and others experiencing daily challenges by providing individualized training and services to increase independence and enhance their quality of life.
