What “impact over income” looks like in action
Chef Sterling has been able to give to his community in other inspiring ways. Last Thanksgiving, he gave over 100 turkeys away to members of his community and gave gift cards to the elderly. He said he wanted to make sure that everyone would be able to enjoy Thanksgiving.
His hope is to have a lasting impact on the kids. After learning from Chef Sterling, some of the kids are finding they have a desire to pursue the culinary industry professionally while others are given the tools to grow and cook good food for themselves and their families. Both are great long-term outcomes, but in the present he hopes to give them a fun, safe way to spend their summer.
According to Chef Sterling and Pastor Amanda, so much of the media and news coverage of South Nashville is negative — and they share the sentiment that it’s important for the rising generation to feel like people are rooting for them despite the challenges they face.
“I just can’t wait to see these kid’s faces when they see the whole world knows about them. ‘Cause no one gives them this chance,” said Chef Sterling.
Pastor Amanda shared about how she wants to change the negative perception of South Nashville. She said she sometimes feels like people talk and ask, “Can anything good come out of South Nashville? And we are here as loud as we can, saying, ‘Yes, and it’s us!’”
