New Leaf Kitchen provides job training in the food services industry for women with barriers to traditional employment. Hands-on 6-month job training is offered in a fast-paced commercial kitchen providing catering services. New Leaf Café is a separate 12-week barista training program at our full service New Leaf Café (located at 930 N. Monroe inside the YWCA lobby). Every trainee gains full espresso knowledge training, retail sales and food industry experience.
The New Leaf Kitchen & Café programs blend education, hands-on work experience, and supportive services designed to help women gain the self-confidence and professional skills necessary for self-sufficiency. In 2017, 80% of our kitchen trainees went on to school or employment.
Agency-wide job readiness support is also provided. Participants work with our Vocational Specialist to help them create a resume, practice interview skills, and become prepared for entering a professional work environment. In 2018, 47 women accessed one-on-one job-readiness training and 22 women obtained employment.
Helping Women Succeed Through Training in Food Services
New Leaf Kitchen & Café is a social enterprise offering a socially just service to those who participate in the program while offering a quality experience for those who access our end services' New Leaf Catering and New Leaf Café. The job training program is offered free of cost to women in the Spokane area who have been struggling to find employment and would benefit from food service training.
Click HERE for New Leaf Catering!
