Through Fortis Academy’s culinary program, students gaining and maintaining sobriety from alcohol and substance abuse learn to express themselves in a healthy environment. Students can also use skills gained in the kitchen for daily life or future employment opportunities.

Community partner and award-winning chef Adrian Torres recently visited Fortis Academy to mentor and pour into a talented student on July 17. In October, the 26-year-old was named the executive chef of Houston’s Maximo. He revamped the menu, which he’s described as “progressive” Mexican dishes. Other accolades include working in notable Houston restaurants Xochi and Belly of the Beast.

Torres visited Jerry Lorenzo-Garza in the Fortis kitchen. The two prepared delicious tacos during a live cooking demonstration.

“The experience was phenomenal,” Lorenzo-Garza said. “It was something you can’t get anywhere else.”

Torres also shared his story, which started – like Lorenzo-Garza – as a child in Aldine. He watched “Cake Boss” on TLC and was inspired to bake, later taking culinary classes in high school and at San Jacinto College before landing a job at Xochi.

“My parents sacrificed a lot,” Torres said. “The only thing I’ve ever wanted is to let them know that their sacrifice was worth it.”