By Julia N.
On Monday, December 3 we (the youth incarceration group) interviewed Jordyn Lexton on her new organization called Drive Change. Ms. Lexton is a former English teacher at Rikers Island. She became interested in the topic of youth incarceration while taking a theater class during her senior year at Wesleyan. The class was called Theater of the Oppressed, and worked with adolescents at a training school for detained youth. Drive Change is a food truck that will help the newly released adolescents reenter society. They will learn skills that will help them, not only for making the food truck function, but for future jobs as well. This is only one of the ways that the truck will reduce recidivism. Drive Change will also provide paid, transitional, quality employment to its participants.

When the truck is actually functioning there will be four people on it: a work supervisor, head chef, cashier and manager. The participants will work as a certain job for at least two weeks before rotating, guaranteeing that they will get experience in that position. Jordyn plans to take on eight to ten youths at one time. This way each youth will get the necessary amount of attention they need. She plans to take on three groups a year. Hopefully, if the program succeeds there will be money for more trucks, and room for more participants.

What will the truck be serving?! When asked that question Jordyn’s face lit up. She said it was a dessert called, “Sugar on snow.” It is made by pouring warm maple syrup onto shaved snow. The reaction between the two different temperatures causes it to turn into a taffy-like consistency. Jordyn had this treat as a kid and hasn’t been able to stop thinking about it. I’m excited to try it! Stay tuned for more information on Drive Change, and when you can get your hands on some sugar on snow!