This week’s ‘Hometown Hero’ has created a space for people of all ages and backgrounds to tap into their creative potential.

Nestled in the heart of downtown Delray Beach, right on the corner of Swinton Avenue, you will find The Hub at Space of Mind.

Inside this community center, there is a world of learning happening behind every door. You’ll find everything from a science lab and engineering workshop to a digital media studio and a commercial teaching kitchen.

It’s all part of the Community Classroom Project—a vision Ali Kaufman brought to life in 2017 with the goal of giving all types of learners the atmosphere they need to succeed.

“It’s really important to me that we’re able to reach more people and really expand the mission and make everybody aware that they can tap into their creative side and have more fun with learning,” she explained.

Most recently, the nonprofit launched its Community Classroom Kitchen— a space where local chefs and culinary experts are able to connect with adults and kids who are eager to learn.

“Our students get to learn how to produce food, and not just the back end of the restaurant industry, but our culinary and restaurant workforce training also prepares students to work in front of the house and even adjacent professionals like marketing and PR.”

CBS News was in the kitchen as executive chef Deb Dickinson was helping a group of kids make a banana cream pie and whipped cream from scratch.

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“I get a group of kids every afternoon, middle school and high school, that come with me for an hour, and we do a variety of things,” she said. “So, they learn basic knife skills and they help me prepare food for different events.”

Dickinson says she loves being able to share her decades of culinary knowledge with these future cooks.

“I love being able to see that light bulb going off over kids and adults’ heads going, wow, I can make that,” she said. “And also sharing with them the importance of cooking from scratch and putting love in what you cook because you can tell when there’s love in what you cook.”

Much like the love put into this kitchen.

A personal mission for Ali, who grew up working in the restaurant industry.

“It’s a creative way to work with your body and your hands and your mind, and especially today, we’ve got a lot of learners that don’t really fall into the traditional school and learning model, so the restaurant profession is a great way to tap into creativity and a lot of kinesthetic learning.”

Of course, none of this would be possible without the community’s help.

The group’s big annual fundraiser, “Pub at the Hub,” is coming up on January 25th. This year, it will be an 80s-themed party with live music, local chefs, and a big art sale. All the proceeds benefit The Hub at Space of Mind and the Community Classroom Project.

Learn more here.

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