#United States #Washington #NRAEF #HOPES #Hospitality Opportunities

Empowering Second Chances: A Vision for Justice-Involved Individuals

On August 5, 2025, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) announced a transformative initiative funded by a $4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor's Pathway Home Initiative. This generous funding will enable the NRAEF to significantly enhance its efforts in providing training, credentialing, and job placement for over 400 justice-involved adults across six states, promoting their reintegration into society through careers in the restaurant and hospitality sectors.

The initiative aims to expand the Foundation's Hospitality Opportunities for People (Re)Entering Society (HOPES) program, which currently operates in various communities, including Los Angeles, Dover, Georgetown, Wilmington, Boston, Worcester, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Nashville. Designed specifically for individuals aged 18 and older, this program focuses on helping them transition from justice-involvement back to meaningful employment through tailored training, credential assessments, job placements, mentorship, and clear career pathways.

Rob Gifford, the president of the NRAEF, emphasized the Foundation's commitment to inclusivity, stating, "The expansion of HOPES reflects our commitment to helping people from all backgrounds, including those with justice involvement, discover meaningful and long-term career opportunities in the restaurant and hospitality industry." He further expressed gratitude for the Department of Labor's support, which deepens their investment in individuals with justice backgrounds, equipping them to forge successful futures in a vibrant sector that serves as America's second-largest private workforce.

Innovative Community Collaborative Model

Established in 2017, the HOPES program employs a unique community collaborative approach. By partnering with state restaurant associations and community-based organizations, as well as local correctional facilities and restaurant employers, HOPES delivers critical pre- and post-release training to meet local workforce needs effectively. The initiative has previously received strategic support from the PepsiCo Foundation, which contributed $1 million towards the development of the program's Restaurant Ready curriculum aimed at underserved communities. To date, HOPES has impacted over 1,200 individuals, with more than 85% undergoing occupational skills training, and over 60% successfully placed in jobs, primarily within the hospitality sector.

Participants in the HOPES program will benefit from job readiness training facilitated by the Restaurant Ready curriculum, alongside ServSafe credentialing. Furthermore, they will have access to individualized case management and direct connections with employers specifically within the restaurant and hospitality industry. The program also emphasizes the importance of mentorship and wraparound support to help participants navigate obstacles to employment and secure long-term job stability.

Partnerships and Community Engagement

The NRAEF's approach to the HOPES program highlights vital partnerships with various state restaurant association partners, including:

• - California Restaurant Foundation
• - Delaware Restaurant Foundation
• - Massachusetts Restaurant Association Educational Foundation
• - Hospitality Institute of Ohio
• - Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association Education Foundation
• - Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association

In addition to these partnerships, local community-based organizations play a significant role in the HOPES program's success. Collaborations include EntreNous Youth Empowerment Services in California, the First State Community Action Agency in Delaware, the Gavin Foundation and Community Counseling of Bristol County in Massachusetts, Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries in Ohio, Community Kitchen Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, and Project Return in Tennessee.

Advancing Workforce Development Initiatives

The Pathway Home program, administered by the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration, fosters local communities in providing employment opportunities for justice-involved persons. The HOPES initiative is integral to the NRAEF's broader workforce development strategy, which encompassing initiatives such as the Restaurant Ready program and hospitality apprenticeships. These programs facilitate entry and advancement for individuals entering the restaurant and food service industry.

For those interested in learning more about the HOPES program, further details can be found at ChooseRestaurants.org/HOPES.

About NRAEF

As the philanthropic arm of the National Restaurant Association, the NRAEF's mission is to enhance training and education within the industry, fostering career development and community engagement. Their comprehensive programs strive to attract, empower, and advance both current and future members of the restaurant and food service workforce. Notable programs include ProStart, which offers high school students career and technical education; the Restaurant Ready/HOPES initiative, focusing on skills training and job placement; and military transition programs that help veterans pivot their skills into restaurant careers. To understand more about the NRAEF's offerings, visit ChooseRestaurants.org.