You've got to go -- see, experience and taste for yourself. Beautiful café, exceptionally thoughtful service, delicious food and (most importantly) an amazing mission. As a guest of the café, I am delighted to watch the training of the young people who are committed to doing the work to change the course of their lives - whether it be within the hospitality industry, as future university students, or as entrepreneurs.
From the moment these young people proudly bring you to your table, one can tell that the depth and scope of the life and employment training that goes on behind the café scene is successful! The support offered by the training staff seems extremely respectful as they guide the youth. Even as a customer, one can tell the pride that the students have in their efforts. Well done!
Oh! And don't forget to save room for bread pudding!
First - the food is OK but not outstanding, and certainly not worth the ever rising cost. Recently visited as a guest, and lunch for 2 came to almost $40. Second - not sure about "life skills", but teaching young black New Orleanians to be restaurant waiters and servers -- give me a break! This is a joke. Heard these kids are considerably under-paid and NOT allowed to keep their tips. What a shame, especially with ALL the money that appears to be pouring in each day this place is open for BUSINESS. Just walk in and take a look around. Want to know how to get rich running a non-profit? My guess is these guys have the answer.
The signature Life Skills & Workforce Development Program consists of 15 months of training, including:
• Life Skills Class (3 weeks),
• Hands-on Workforce Training in our neighborhood café (6 weeks),
• An internship with one of our 40 employer partners (3 weeks), and
• Ongoing case management, substance abuse counseling, mental health counseling, housing assistance, and personal finance training.
• Students receive two meals a day, uniforms, bus tokens and a modest stipend, as well as
• 12 months of follow-up support following graduation and job placement to support job retention.
Graduate and Employer Programs
The recently-formed alumni association helps our 1,000+ program graduates advance in their careers through peer mentoring, advanced training in management and leadership, and training partnerships. These include:
• A graduate trainer program in our Café,
• Employment and training opportunities in our catering and events department,
• ServSafe Managers Training, industry-recognized credential for advancement in the hospitality industry,
• GED preparation through partnerships with the Youth Empowerment Project and employers,
• Higher education through partnerships with local colleges and universities, and
• Growing partnerships with The Net Charter School, Centerplate, Dickie Brennan & Co. and the National Restaurant Association to provide training and employment supports for at-risk youth in other settings.
Our Students
• 16 to 22 years old
• 97% disconnected from school & employment
• 99% African-American
• 67% boys or young men
Our Impact
• 80% involved in the justice system
• 78% substance abuse or mental health issues • 52% homeless at some point in their lives
• 48% parents with at least one child
• 400+ youth served to date in 2014
• 1,000+ graduates since inception
• 102 program graduates in 2013, up from 60 in 2011
• 90% of program graduates who are placed in employment stay employed for at least 12 months.
• $130M+ in capital investment catalyzed to date along the O. C. Haley Corridor as an anchor
Cost
• Reconcile does not currently receive any public funding.
• 50% of our revenue is earned through restaurant and catering, which offsets program costs.
• $6,000 per student is the cost of our program in public/philanthropic support. The average annual cost
to incarcerate this same young person is $88,000.1
• $258,242 is the average lifetime economic cost in social services and lost tax revenues for each young
person who is not connected with employment or education beginning at the age of 16.2
• Investment in Reconcile can save more than $250,000 in future taxpayer dollars per youth.