larue’s journey

Celebrating LaRue: Ooh De Lally’s First Program Graduate

At Ooh De Lally, we believe in second chances and the power of community to create lasting change. Our partnership with Metropolitan Community College’s 180 Re-entry Assistance Program is at the heart of this mission, offering individuals who were formerly incarcerated a pathway to employment, skill-building, and personal growth.

One such individual who exemplified this journey is LaRue, our first program graduate.

We recently said goodbye to LaRue as he moved on to the next chapter of his life. LaRue was a core member of the Ooh De Lally team, contributing in every way he could and embracing every opportunity to learn. From dishwashing and food prep and beyond, LaRue’s journey at Ooh De Lally is a testament to what can happen when someone is given the chance to grow and thrive.

LaRue and the Ooh De Lally team recently celebrated his graduation from the program.

A New Start: LaRue’s Journey

LaRue’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and personal transformation. At 32 years old, LaRue was eager to create a better life for himself and his children. His path to Ooh De Lally began through the 180 Re-entry Assistance Program, a job placement initiative that helps individuals who have been incarcerated reintegrate into society.

LaRue openly shared that, in the past, securing a job was incredibly difficult due to his criminal record.

“They always ask, ‘What’s your background? Do you have any felonies or misdemeanors?’ It would always come up,” he said about previous interviews he’d had.

But at Ooh De Lally, things were different.

“They didn’t care about my past,” LaRue said. “They asked me, ‘Who are you today? Who do you want to become?’”

That welcoming and understanding environment allowed LaRue to flourish. He started as a dishwasher but quickly moved through various roles in the restaurant, including working in the kitchen, assisting with bar back duties, serving food, and even assembling furniture.

"There’s nothing I haven’t done here," LaRue shared proudly. "They just let you dive in and do what you want to do, which is something I’ve never experienced at a job."

A Calm Kitchen and A Strong Support System

LaRue described Ooh De Lally’s kitchen as “a calm kitchen,” which stood out to him.

“The camaraderie here is different. You’re allowed to speak up and share how you feel without the fear of losing your job. That doesn’t happen in most kitchens,” LaRue explained.

This open environment made Ooh De Lally more than just a place to work; it became a space where LaRue could grow as both an employee and a person.

The team at Ooh De Lally also stood by LaRue during challenging moments.

“They said, ‘We’re here for you. We’re going to protect you,’ and they did,” LaRue shared.

Looking Ahead: The Future is Bright

Although LaRue’s time at Ooh De Lally has come to an end, his future is full of promise. He expressed immense gratitude for the experience, sharing that he felt empowered to take on new opportunities because of the skills he learned.

“I didn’t know much about working in a kitchen before, but now I know how to cook, prep, and even sear things in different ways,” LaRue said.

His next steps include moving out of town to be closer to his children and continuing his growth in the food industry.

As LaRue reflected on his time at Ooh De Lally, he shared valuable advice for others going through the 180 Re-entry Assistance Program.

“If you’re looking to truly grow in a place that’s more than just a paycheck, this is it. Dive in and learn,” he said. “Ooh De Lally is a home base—it’s just the start. They care about who you are and what you want to do.”

A Legacy of Second Chances

LaRue’s story is one that will always be remembered at Ooh De Lally. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and personal growth that will inspire future participants in the program. As LaRue moves forward, we’re confident that his future is bright and full of opportunity, and we’ll be cheering him on every step of the way.

We are incredibly proud of LaRue and grateful for the time he spent with us. While we’ll miss him dearly, we’re excited to see where life takes him next.

Thank you, LaRue, for being an integral part of Ooh De Lally—you will always be part of our family.

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If you’d like to support Ooh De Lally’s mission — and contribute to success stories like LaRue’s — consider a donation today.