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.
Over ten years later, we are still that place, and 1,000+ young people have come through our doors. One important factor has changed. The young people who knocked on our door seeking guidance are now guiding us.
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 10 weeks building workforce skills that set them on the path to success in the culinary world and beyond.
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 Midcity dine-in location, a catering business, and community venues. 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 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.
In our second decade, we still sit around a kitchen table. But we are leveraging our expanded community presence and deep well of graduate talent to work toward a better city–one where every young person can succeed. We hope you will join us in this mission.
Providing space for youth to design and achieve their vision of success.
Equitable practices for all, regardless of race, identity, or life experience.
Continuous improvement to provide meaningful opportunities.
Building relationships and working together to create the change we envision.
Accepting individuals where they are and providing individualized support.
300 North Broad Street
New Orleans, LA 70119
504.822.4011
info@libertyskitchen.org
Copyright 2023
Liberty's Kitchen
Check us out on Tuesday’s (2/28) episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show! If you are in New Orleans, tune in at 3 pm on WDSU. To check other listings, click here.
THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW — Episode J113 — Pictured: (l-r) Brendan Fraser, Jenny Slate, Bernadette Lucas, Kelly Clarkson — (Photo by: Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal)
We appreciate you reaching out for your catering needs. We’ll do our best to be in touch within one business day.
Please note: an inquiry does not constitute an order, but it is the right first step!
Questions? Email catering@libertyskitchen.org
Liberty's Kitchen would love to cater your next event! Fill out this form and a member of our catering team will contact you within one business day. Please note: an inquiry is not a confirmation. We request a minimum 3 business days notice prior to your event.
Liberty's Kitchen's Youth Development Program is designed for 16-24 year-olds who are looking to start or speed up their career. It is a 3-month commitment, and participants are required to be present and engaged from 8:30am-2:30pm, four days a week during the program. Classes begin every 4 weeks. Once you refer someone, our team will follow up directly with the young person.