One of the most exciting initiatives at the Elizabeth Lee Black School is its adaptive kitchen—a fully accessible culinary learning space designed to empower students of all abilities. What makes this kitchen truly unique? It’s equipped almost entirely with appliances from the Beautiful® by Drew line, created by Drew Barrymore.  

While these appliances were originally designed with ergonomic considerations for women, they also feature thoughtful adaptations that meet the diverse needs of our students. 

“Many of these appliances have a large, topple-free base, allowing students to pull on them without moving the appliance or risking injury. All touchpoints are highlighted in gold, guiding them to learn appliance safety,” explains Cindy Priester, Director of Children and Youth at Barber National Institute. “The appliances are easy to use with simple instructions that aid comprehension. Plus, the ergonomic handles fit comfortably in the student’s hand regardless of their fine motor skills.” 

More Than a Kitchen—A Gateway to Independence 

This forward-thinking space opened earlier this year thanks to funding from the Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust and proceeds from Barber National Institute’s 2024 Ladies Only Luncheon. Its purpose? To equip students with essential life skills like safe food handling, proper hygiene, and hands-on cooking techniques. 

“It’s not just a kitchen—it’s a gateway to independence, confidence, and community inclusion,” Cindy shares. “Imagine students learning to sort utensils, master basic appliances, and prepare nutritious meals—all while cultivating a lifelong curiosity and love of cooking.” 

The curriculum starts with foundational skills such as filling a cup of water, identifying kitchen items, and practicing hygiene. Over time, students progress to preparing simple meals. The results? Remarkable success stories—making this one of the school’s most impactful programs to date. 

Help Us Bring This Story to National Attention 

We believe this story deserves the spotlight—and you can help make that happen! Social media has the power to amplify voices and connect with people who care, including Drew Barrymore herself. 

Here’s how you can help: 

• Tag: @DrewBarrymore and @DrewBarrymoreShow 

• Use hashtags: #BeautifulImpact and #DrewBarrymoreShow 

• Share this story: Every like, comment, and share increases the chance that Drew and her team will see how much this initiative matters. 

Together, we can shine a national spotlight on the incredible students at Elizabeth Lee Black School and the “BEAUTIFUL” kitchen that’s transforming lives.