At RFK Community Alliance, we believe in providing residences that are nurturing, home-like environments to help young people thrive. This belief comes to life at Weymouth Hall, one of our Doctor Franklin Perkins School residences, where recent upgrades are transforming everyday experiences into opportunities for growth, connection, and pride.

Enhancements That Inspire

This fall, Weymouth Hall received a fresh coat of paint and a brand new kitchen. The kitchen now features a modern, more organized layout that encourages both creativity and responsibility. That creativity comes to life weekly in their cooking club. 

“The new space provides a more modern, organized setting where the residents take pride in being responsible and keeping it clean,” says Jenna Fletcher, Program Coordinator, closely involved with the cooking club. “The butcher block has been a nice addition as far as prepping, as well as the double oven [for baking].”

The Cooking Club: Resident-Led and Rooted in Culture

Each week, the Weymouth kitchen comes alive with the sounds of chopping, sizzling, and laughter. The cooking club, run by residents with staff support, is more than just a weekly activity. It’s a celebration of independence, culture, and community.

“The club's mission is to build proficiency in preparing basic meals, including all essential nutritional components while identifying quality ingredients,” Jenna explains. “What makes our cooking club unique is the staff's diverse backgrounds and cultural input.”

Residents take the lead each week, choosing a meal they all want to prepare. They create a shopping list and, with staff assistance, shop for ingredients the day before cooking. In the kitchen, they learn essential skills like washing produce, using different knives, and operating household appliances.

Building Belonging Through Food

Cooking at Weymouth Hall is more than a practical skill - it’s a powerful tool for building community and confidence.

“Cooking is a tool to bring groups of people together and build a sense of community and belonging while showcasing their skills,” Jenna says. “The club has increased the residents' sense of belonging at Weymouth and autonomy with cooking.”

Residents look forward to Thursdays, taking pride in their creations and sharing meals with one another.

“[The club] has increased the residents' social skills, the ability to plan ahead, and especially their self-confidence in being able to prepare meals and enjoy them,” Jenna adds.

Looking Ahead: Independence and Celebration

The cooking club continues to grow, with hopes of expanding resident leadership even further.

“Our best hopes are to continue to promote independence and for one day all of the residents to each have an assigned day that they cook for the house,” Jenna says.

And, with the holidays approaching, the kitchen will soon be filled with even more joy. Residents and staff are preparing for Thanksgiving and a December potluck called “Dessert Day,” where everyone will bring, bake, or make their favorite holiday dessert to share.

A Space That Feels Like Home

The renovations and cooking club at Weymouth Halls simultaneously reflect RFK Community Alliance’s commitment to creating spaces that feel like home: places where young people can learn, grow, and belong.

Through shared meals, new skills, and a beautifully updated environment, residents are building more than just recipes - they’re building community.