Investing in food, people, and futures: Culinary training launches at the Hilda L. Solis Care First Village
I had the opportunity to visit the launch of a new culinary workforce training program at one of our interim housing developments, the Hilda L. Solis Care First Village — a partnership between the Department of Economic Opportunity, Supervisor Hilda Solis, Homeboy Industries, and the Weingart Center.
First Cohort Session Presentation by Homeboy Industry Chef Alisha Ruiz and Homeboy Industries Work Readiness Trainer Gonzalo Alvarado
This nine-week program gives individuals who’ve experienced homelessness and been impacted by the justice system a chance to gain real skills and credentials in the culinary field. Participants receive hands-on training, ServSafe certification, career coaching, and job placement support.
When we invest in people — when we provide tools, structure, and opportunity— we get stronger communities in return.
Co-CEO Homeboy Industry Steve Delgado, Supervisor Solis, Sen. Kevin Murray, Co-CEO Homeboy Industry Shirley Torres, and DEO Director Kelly LoBianco
I appreciated speaking with Supervisor Solis, DEO Director Kelly LoBianco, and Homeboy’s leadership about how this model can help trainees achieve independence. Programs like this are how we move from crisis to stability — one person, one job, and one future at a time.