Pathways to Success

Potluck Café Society has launched a new program called "Pathways to Success" which is designed to provide training and employment opportunities to individuals who face barriers to employment. One of the ways in which we are achieving this goal is through partnerships with other organizations in the Downtown Eastside community, such as Mission Possible.

This program is designed to help those who may have faced discrimination, lack of education or training, or other challenges in finding and keeping employment. Being a supportive employer means we are equipped with the staff, the knowledge and infrastructure to support barriered community members.

Some of the ways this program will support barriered community members is;

1. Culinary Training: Participants in the program receive training in the culinary arts, including food preparation, safety, and presentation. This training prepares participants for work in the food service industry and helps them develop valuable skills that they can use in other industries as well.

2. Job Placement: The program offers job placement services, helping participants find jobs in the food service industry. Potluck Catering has connections with local businesses and organizations, which enables them to connect program participants with potential employers. Potluck also employs an Employment Support Worker, and has scheduled incentivized goal setting sessions with Pathways participants to ensure their goals, needs and wants are being met and we support them wholeheartedly to success.

3. Mentorship: Another valuable aspect of the program is the mentorship opportunities it provides. Participants are paired with kitchen staff who can offer guidance, support, and encouragement throughout their journey in the program and beyond. Our staff are both professionals and supportive, and our team welcomes the opportunity to teach others employable skills in and out of the kitchen.

4. Collaboration: While Potluck Catering does not offer life skills, or "soft skills", training as part of the Pathways to Success program, we recognize the critical role that these skills play in helping individuals succeed in the workforce and in life. That's why we have partnered with Mission Possible and other organizations to ensure that our program participants have access to the full range of wrap-around supports they need to succeed.

The Pathways to Success program is open to anyone who faces barriers to employment, including individuals with disabilities, those with a criminal record, mental health and people who are hard-to-house because of various reasons.

This program truly is an excellent initiative that provides valuable training and employment opportunities to individuals who face barriers to employment. By offering culinary training, job placement services, life skills training, and mentorship, the program equips participants with the skills and support they need to succeed in the food service industry and beyond. As a 12 week PAID training program , it's a great opportunity for community members to get involved in creating a more sustainable future for themselves, and the economy of the Downtown Eastside.

Potluck Café Society believes that everyone deserves a chance to succeed and contribute to their community, and this program is designed to help individuals overcome the challenges they face and achieve their goals. And we believe that this collaborative approach is essential to ensuring that individuals who face barriers to employment have the support they need to achieve their goals and contribute to their communities.

The Pathways to Success program is just one part of this larger effort to create a more inclusive and supportive community in the Downtown Eastside.

If you or someone you know is looking for a way to overcome employment barriers, the Pathways to Success program is worth checking out.

And please, if you have the means to support this program, please share with your friends, family or donate today.