Description

Soul Food Bistro Inc. is a community-based nonprofit restaurant dedicated to excellent dining, youth mentorship, and workforce training. We believe in developing the next generation of leaders through real-world job experience in culinary arts, customer service, and hospitality management.> 

The Soul Food Bistro Inc. is committed to empowering underserved and at-risk youth in LaPorte County by equipping them with the tools, confidence, and support needed to build sustainable futures. This nonprofit program blends culinary training, life skills development, and mentorship into a holistic approach that creates access to employment and personal growth for young people facing systemic barriers.

The purpose of this project is to provide first-time work experience and job readiness training to youth ages 15–27 who face challenges such as poverty, unstable environments, academic struggles, and a lack of opportunity. The program meets both workforce development needs and the deeper personal needs of youth searching for purpose, identity, and guidance.

As a Culinary Arts & Hospitality Intern, you’ll gain hands-on experience in the day-to-day operations of a full-service restaurant while developing valuable skills for your future career.> 

This project will accomplish the following goals:
Train and employ at-risk youth in a real-world kitchen setting to prepare them for food service and hospitality careers.

Offer personal mentorship and coaching, pairing each youth with a mentor who offers accountability, encouragement, and career guidance.

Teach essential life skills such as time management, goal setting, communication, and financial literacy.

Provide workforce readiness workshops and certifications including resume building, mock interviews, and ServSafe training.

Offer stipends to help eliminate financial barriers and encourage consistent participation.

Promote community engagement through food-centered service activities that foster leadership and civic pride.

Planned Activities Include:
Recruitment & Orientation:
In collaboration with local schools, churches, and community organizations, we will recruit youth and provide an initial orientation focused on workplace expectations and personal development goals.

Culinary Training:
Over a 8–16 week cycle, youth will learn food prep, kitchen safety, sanitation, customer service, and teamwork. Training takes place in The Soul Food Bistro’s operational kitchen with opportunities to serve the public during special events.

Mentorship & Coaching:
Youth will be matched with a trained mentor who meets with them regularly to guide their journey. Bi-weekly group sessions will cover emotional wellness, accountability, and future planning.

Life & Workforce Skills Workshops:
Participants will engage in workshops covering interviewing, conflict resolution, budgeting, and entrepreneurship. Local business leaders will join as guest speakers.

Community Impact Events:
Youth will help host community meals and outreach events, using food as a tool for connection, service, and leadership.

Graduation & Job Placement:
Upon completion, participants will receive certificates, evaluations, and job placement. Graduates may also transition into advanced vocational programs or employment partnerships.

This project offers more than just job training, it creates a launchpad for youth to discover purpose, overcome obstacles, and transform their future by investing in the leaders of tomorrow.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities may include:> 

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Assisting chefs with food preparation, plating, and kitchen organization

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Supporting front-of-house operations: greeting guests, serving, and event hosting

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Learning safe food handling practices and sanitation standards

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Helping coordinate community events, banquets, and catering services

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Participating in team meetings and mentorship sessions

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Completing a final reflection project on your internship experience

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What You’ll Gain> 

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Workplace Skills: customer service, teamwork, and communication

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Culinary Experience: menu preparation, food safety, and kitchen operations

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Leadership Development: mentorship, problem-solving, and event coordination

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Professional Growth: resume-building and networking opportunities with community leaders

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Qualifications

Qualifications> 

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High school or college student (must be Indiana resident; FAFSA required for EARN funding if in college)

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Interest in culinary arts, hospitality, or restaurant management

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Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to learn

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Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed

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At Risk Youth Core Eligibility

• Age: 14–24 (create two tracks: High School 14–18 and Young Adult 18–24).

• Residence: Lives in the local county/region served by the program.

• Availability: Can commit 10–20 hours/week for 12–16 weeks (evenings/weekends ok).

• At-Risk Status: Meets at least one of the following:

  • Justice-involved or on probation/with a diversion plan

  • In foster care/aged out or kinship care

  • Housing insecure/homeless or in transitional living

  • Pregnant/parenting youth

  • Low income (e.g., SNAP/TANF/Medicaid eligible)

  • Chronic absenteeism/credit recovery needed or behind grade level

  • English learner or recent immigrant

  • Documented disability/IEP/504 or behavioral health needs

  • Impacted by gang activity/violence or high-risk neighborhood exposure

  • Survivor of trauma, bullying, or exploitation indicators

• Education status: Enrolled in school, HiSET/GED track, or committed to re-engagement with an attendance/credit plan.

• Readiness: Completes intake interview and signs a Code of Conduct (attendance, professionalism, safety).

• Prior justice involvement, learning differences, or gaps in work history do not disqualify applicants.

• Lack of prior experience is okay—training provided.

• Under 18: Parent/guardian consent + emergency contact; school work permit if required in your state.

• Payroll: Government-issued photo ID (or school ID + birth certificate), SSN/ITIN for W-2 or W-9, direct-deposit info (or pay card).

• Forms: Media release (optional), confidentiality, injury/incident acknowledgment, transportation plan, allergy/medical note (if relevant).

• Note: Background checks are for staff/mentors, not youth. Justice-involved youth may provide probation officer contact or schedule constraints.

Program Commitments

• Orientation (mandatory): safety, workplace conduct, harassment-free policy, digital citizenship, “safe-stop” basics, conflict de-escalation.

• Training: Weekly skill labs (resume, time-management, customer service, financial literacy).

• Mentoring: Meets with assigned mentor/coach biweekly.

• Attendance: No more than 2 unexcused absences; communicate schedule changes 24 hours in advance.

• Performance: Midpoint and final evaluation; completion of a capstone (e.g., presentation, portfolio, or service project).

Contact Information