1 in 5 young adults in our city aren’t in school or working, but employers are facing a talent shortage. We bridge the gap, then keep working to build a better opportunity structure for and with young people.
We provide training and supports, connect youth to employment, and work with them over time to increase their earning potential and career options. For entrepreneurial graduates, we are developing ways for them to start a business of their own. We see every aspect of business as a learning opportunity, and every young person as a potential leader.
Nadja and Da’Mon are just two of many graduates who are using the skills they honed at Liberty’s Kitchen to achieve their versions of success.
<< Nadja and Da’Mon tell their stories
Youth Development Program
Ready to work. Ready to lead.
The Liberty’s Kitchen Youth Development Program is a ten-week work readiness intensive designed for New Orleans youth between the ages of 16-24, who are out of work and out of school. The program provides participants with technical and transferable skills training in a real work environment. Our team addresses barriers to employment ranging from housing, to mental health care access, to transportation. The objective of the Youth Development Program is to develop graduates with a sense of purpose and the skills, tools and opportunities to thrive in gainful employment.
Career and Leadership Skills Training
Trainees learn how to show up in a work environment, become part of a team, and practice essential interpersonal and social-emotional skills. Our life skills curriculum covers topics ranging from stress management to financial literacy.
Workplace Skills Training
We provide a safe and secure environment to learn basic culinary and employability skills through hands-on, real-world experience in our kitchen as well as through externships with employer partners.
INDIVIDUAL CASE MANAGEMENT
We provide support services and referrals to address needs such as housing, health-care, child-care, legal resources, and education. Trainees create Individual Life Plans and work to achieve them.
Job Search and Career Advancement Services
We work with graduates for a minimum of one full year after program completion to support job retention, continuation of any needed social services and/or completion of education goals.
