Inspiration cafe serves up more than meals

Photo at top: Chef Cooper works alongside his colleague during a lunch rush at INspiration cafe.

By Clara Seung Lee
Medill Reports

Even in the darkest of times, Chef Demetrious Cooper is a source of light at the nonprofit cafe run by the Inspiration Corporation.

Chef Cooper was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when he had to give up on his career of being a personal trainer. Amidst this personal tragedy, he took his mother’s advice and signed up to work with Inspiration Kitchens. Since that day, his outlook on life has changed for the better and he continues to inspire those around him with his culinary skills at the Inspiration Cafe in Uptown.

Photo at top: Chef Cooper works alongside his colleague during a lunch rush at Inspiration cafe. (Clara Lee/ MEDILL)