According to Café Momentum’s Sr. Manager of Marketing and Events Laura Beth Lopez,
“The skillet is hot and the flames are high, but the young chefs in the Café Momentum kitchen are keeping it cool. Our innovative non-profit restaurant in the heart of downtown Dallas provides more than just casual fine dining for foodies. It’s completely run by justice-involved youth participating in a 12-month paid internship.
“Beyond the restaurant, interns also recommit to school, many in our on-site academy; address critical housing, food and medical needs with personal case managers; access counseling and other supportive services to create individualized paths towards achieving their dreams. Crucially, they also gain a loving community of support that believes in their potential.
“Our Founder CEO Chad Houser often points out that it’s not always about the choices our youth make, it’s often about the choices they are given. He says, ‘While we talk a lot about second chances, the reality is that for many of our youth, the Café Momentum internship represents their first opportunity. It’s impossible to entertain the idea of a second chance until someone has had a first chance.’ The barriers our young people face can seem insurmountable, especially given that historically they have attempted to overcome challenges without support and resources.
“The support of our community is the lifeblood in our mission. Each person that dines in our restaurant is a volunteer, giving our interns the opportunity to build their skills, develop a strong sense of responsibility and grow their confidence. Diners show our youth that they matter and that their community believes in them – one delicious meal at a time.
Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day is a catalyst driving energy, awareness and essential community support. Through the efforts of Communities Foundation of Texas and their partners, we receive vital financial resources that enable Café Momentum to continue offering our comprehensive programs and the flexibility to meet our interns’ often changing individual needs. This powerful day allows us to focus our resources where we need it most…supporting our young people.
“Café Momentum’s success is a testament to the power of community support. Every donation, every diner in our restaurant contributes to the transformative journey of the youth we serve. It is this unwavering support that enables Café Momentum to provide hope, opportunity and a second chance to those who need it most.
“The results of this community partnership are transformative. As one former intern describes: ‘Café Momentum has changed my whole way of thinking. Before coming here, I was always into something, putting not only my life in danger but also my family’s. Coming here made me realize that it’s not worth it. I can do better, and I can become anything I put my mind to.’”
* Photo credit: Chad Windham ** Graphic provided by Café Momentum
In 15 years, Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day has pumped more than $566 million into the North Texas community. In 2023, more than $63.9 million was raised through 97,000 donors benefiting 3,249 area nonprofits.
On Thursday, September 19, support Café Momentum by clicking here and spreading the word. #NorthTexasGivingDay2024
Bonnie Clark says
Thank you for highlighting this awesome organization. I love them and what they do for our community. The restaurant is delicious too! 🙂