In the state of Utah, there are 3,131 people experiencing homelessness on any given night.
Through a variety of programs, Catholic Community Services works to provide resources to those impacted by homelessness to create a pathway to housing stability and self-sufficiency.
This fall, CCS will be launching a new program, St. Vincent’s Kitchen Academy, to aid in those efforts.
St. Vincent’s Kitchen Academy, the first program of its kind in Utah, is a twelve-week culinary training program designed to provide clients impacted by homelessness with both culinary and life skills.
Unemployment and low wages commonly contribute to an individual’s risk of experiencing homelessness. Sustainable employment is one key to creating and maintaining housing stability. With the proper training, clients will leave the program ready to enter the low barrier employment industry of foodservice.
Over the course of the program, clients will partake in hands on training from culinary professionals in St. Vincent de Paul Dining Hall’s brand new, state of the art kitchen. Throughout the program, clients will also be provided with life skills classes designed to aid in the journey to self-sufficiency.
Clients will graduate with a Food Handler’s permit, as well as a Line Cook Certification. Upon completion of the program, clients will also receive a year of case management services for housing and employment, as well as experiential learning opportunities through an externship and assistance in job placement.
It’s the aim of CCS that St. Vincent’s Kitchen Academy would create a pathway to sustainable income and permanent housing through long-term employment opportunities for clients.
To learn more about St. Vincent’s Kitchen Academy here.