My Autism Connection Culinary Class at FGCU Builds Confidence, Life Skills, and Community

On Wednesday, November 5, My Autism Connection members gathered inside the FGCU Culinary Kitchen for an evening centered on food, confidence, and connection. Hosted in partnership with Florida Gulf Coast University, the class gave participants the chance to learn practical cooking skills in a professional kitchen setting.

For MAC members, the evening was about more than preparing a meal. It was an opportunity to work together, try something new, and feel supported in a space built around belonging.

On-the-Ground Experience

A Calm, Focused Environment Where Every Detail Told the Story

From the start of the class, the kitchen had a calm but lively energy. Ingredients were laid out, stations were ready, and participants moved through the evening with guidance from Chef Rebecca and support from FGCU student volunteers.

“Food is a way to connect with everyone globally.”

— Chef Rebecca

Chef Rebecca described food as a way to connect with people across cultures, memories, and personal experiences. That approach shaped the tone of the night. Rather than simply teaching recipes, she focused on meeting participants where they were and helping them build confidence through each step.

MAC member Joey shared that the class helped him move beyond simply microwaving meals. He talked about learning how to cut onions and peppers, prepare ingredients, grill food, and follow the process from start to finish. For him, the experience was both practical and social.

“It was really fun to work with other people. That’s something I want to do more, especially as a psychology major.”

— Anna, FGCU Student Volunteer

The FGCU student volunteers also walked away with meaningful experience. Several shared that they became involved through service learning, volunteer opportunities, or their interest in psychology and social work. By the end of the class, they walked away with new friendships, cooking tips, patience, and a better understanding of communication.

About the Organization

My Autism Connection Builds Community for Autistic Adults in Southwest Florida

My Autism Connection, also known as MAC, is a Southwest Florida nonprofit that serves autistic adults ages 18 and older. The organization focuses on social connection, skill-building, and career development, helping members work toward greater independence in life and work.

MAC’s programs are designed to create real-world learning opportunities where members can build confidence, develop relationships, and practice skills in supportive environments. The organization describes its work as member-driven, with a focus on helping autistic adults transition from dependence toward independence.

“We don’t want them to feel like they’re in school. We want them having fun while learning skills they can use in the real world.”

— Lindsay Issa

For Lindsay Issa, MAC’s Program Director, the culinary class is a strong example of that mission in action. She explained that MAC looks for ways to help members build independence in environments that feel fun, not like school. Partnering with FGCU gave members access to a professional kitchen and instruction that MAC would not be able to offer in the same way on its own.

Community Impact

Why Hands-On Programs Like This Matter

This class matters because it gives autistic adults a place to practice real-life skills in a safe, structured, and encouraging environment. Cooking is an everyday skill, but in this setting it also became a way to build teamwork, communication, independence, and confidence.

Lindsay shared that MAC is a small grassroots nonprofit, which means relationships are at the center of the work. The organization connects with members, families, volunteers, interns, and community partners to create opportunities that support long-term growth.

“My Autism Connection definitely makes me feel like I belong. Before I joined, I didn’t really feel like I belonged anywhere.”

— Joseph “Joey” Jared Galarza

The impact was especially clear in the member interviews. Joey described MAC as a place where he can relate to others, talk openly, and feel understood.