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.