CAFE MOMENTUM
Café Momentum is a nationally-recognized nonprofit restaurant and training program that provides a paid internship for justice-involved youth. The internship includes 12-months of curriculum programming. It starts with a 6-day orientation period, at which time, the interns receive their food handlers certification. The interns are paired with case managers to address basic urgent needs, establish a baseline of stability in their lives and set personal goals.
The interns work their way through all areas of the restaurant, learning legal employment, social skills and life skills. Additionally, Café Momentum provides youth with an ecosystem of support including financial education, educational assistance and career exploration.
After successful completion of the program, interns are placed in a job with one of our community partners and/or enroll in a post-secondary educational program. These young people, who the juvenile justice system has referred to as “throw-aways” are now employed, tax-paying, wholly contributing members of society.
“Working with youth excites me because I get to be a part of growth. I believe that the growth that takes place in youth has the potential to create change in other areas. That gives me hope, which is exciting to me.”
WHY PARTNER WITH TYAN?
To learn how to partner with their youth better, put systems and processes in place that maximize what youth have to offer so they can continue to grow as a program and better prepare youth for life in and beyond the program.