Café Hours
Monday - Friday; 11 am - 2:30 pm
OUR STORY
LIBERTY’S KITCHEN BEGAN
AROUND A KITCHEN TABLE IN 2008.
It all began over 15 years ago when Janet Gorence Davas opened our first location just across from a New Orleans courthouse. Her vision was to create a safe space for young adults who had been neglected or criminalized to come to find a warm meal, job opportunities, and a supportive community.
Fast forward to today, and Liberty’s Kitchen still offers the same opportunities, having welcomed 1,000+ young people through our doors. Trainees in our Youth Development Program spend 12 weeks building workforce skills that set them on the path to success in the culinary world and beyond.
One important factor has changed: The young people who knocked on our door seeking guidance are now guiding us.
After graduation, our doors are always open to alumni who need access to resources, computers, or a family meal. All graduates are invited to serve on the Youth Leadership Council to become decision-makers, attend trainings, and plan events. It’s a full circle moment when the young people who knocked on our door seeking guidance now guide us.
Along with expanding alumni engagement through the years, Liberty’s Kitchen has grown to include a Mid-city café, a catering business, and community events spaces. One thing that has never changed? Our commitment to empower young adults facing extraordinary barriers.
As we approach our third decade of service, Liberty’s Kitchen continues to gather around the kitchen table. With a stronger community presence and a dedicated group of talented alumni, we strive towards building a better city where every young person has an opportunity to succeed. Come be a part of our story and witness how we continue to make a difference, one young life at a time.
OUR VALUES
Youth-Centered
Providing space for youth to design and achieve their vision of success.
Belonging
Equitable practices for all, regardless of race, identity, or life experience.
Commitment
Continuous improvement to provide meaningful opportunities.
Collaboration
Building relationships and working together to create the change we envision.
Intentionality
Accepting individuals where they are and providing individualized support.
OUR WORK
