Catalyst Kitchens

?? Celebrating THREE Years of The Moore Wright Group with Catalyst Kitchens! ?? For the past THREE years, The Moore Wright Group (TMWG) has been a proud member of the Catalyst Kitchens network, dedicated to creating opportunities through food-based workforce development. Their program is designed to serve a dual purpose—supporting their summer feeding initiative while providing workforce training for individuals overcoming barriers such as incarceration, homelessness, and underemployment. With plans to expand meal options, introduce hot meals, and launch a coffee stand at their Recovery Café, TMWG is building a brighter future for their community. We’re proud to celebrate their commitment to empowerment and look forward to seeing their impact grow! ?????? #CatalystKitchens #MemberSpotlight #WorkforceDevelopment #FoodServiceCareers #RecoveryCafe #SocialImpact #TheMooreWrightGroup

?? Celebrating SIX Years of @chestercountyfoodbank with Catalyst Kitchens! ?? For the past SIX years, Chester County Food Bank’s FRESHstart Kitchen has been a proud member of the Catalyst Kitchens network, transforming lives through culinary training and workforce development. Based in Exton, PA, the program helps individuals facing significant barriers—such as substance abuse, criminal records, and limited work histories—gain the skills and confidence needed to secure stable employment in the food service industry. Through their 14-week culinary arts training program, FRESHstart Kitchen provides hands-on instruction, life skills training, and job readiness support, empowering students to overcome challenges and build sustainable careers. With three graduating cohorts per year and up to 30 students annually, the program is breaking down barriers to employment and creating meaningful opportunities for those striving for a fresh start. ?? We’re proud to celebrate FRESHstart Kitchen’s impact and look forward to many more years of empowering lives and strengthening communities together! #CatalystKitchens #MemberSpotlight #CulinaryTraining #WorkforceDevelopment #FRESHstartKitchen #ChesterCountyFoodBank #FoodServiceCareers #SocialImpact

?? Behind the Apron with Root! ??? We’re wrapping up today’s #BehindTheApron series with a flavorful visit to Root, where the winter cohort is spicing things up! ????? ????? Exploring Global Flavors ?? Trainees recently explored the vibrant world of Indian cuisine and discovered new techniques and flavors. From fragrant spices to bold, rich dishes, they’re expanding their culinary skills and palates with every lesson. ?? It’s inspiring to see these future chefs discovering new favorites while sharpening their craft. ?? Keep up the amazing work, Root trainees! ?? #CatalystKitchens #CookingUpChange #RootNS #BehindTheApron #CulinaryTraining #FoodWithPurpose #FutureChefs #WorkforceDevelopment

?? Behind the Apron with Bread Line Inc. Bread Line, Inc.! ??? For our second #BehindTheApron spotlight of the day, we’re celebrating the incredible community collaboration at Bread Line, Inc. Kids Cafe! ?? ???? A Team Effort in the Kitchen! ???? A big shoutout to the amazing group at Kids Cafe for their outstanding teamwork! ?? Together with their parents, Fairbanks Children's Museum Bread Line, Inc. dedicated volunteers Matumelo & Nessa, they: ?? Made delicious cookies ?? Crafted PB&J sammies ?? Chopped a whopping 20 gallons of local potatoes & carrots for Chef Matt’s community meal! It’s inspiring to see so many hands coming together to nourish and serve the community. ?? Keep up the great work, everyone! ?? #CatalystKitchens #CookingUpChange #BreadLineInc #KidsCafe #CommunityCollaboration #VolunteerPower #YouthCulinaryTraining #HungerRelief #WorkforceDevelopment

?? Behind the Apron with Life’s Kitchen! ??? We’re kicking off today’s #BehindTheApron series by highlighting the incredible work happening at Life's Kitchen! ??? A Picture-Perfect Finish! ??? Just look at this dish! ?? As graduation nears, Life's Kitchen trainees showcase their skills with a #SignatureDish, and from the looks of it, Scout delivered! ?? This stunning Ramen ??— Japanese noodle miso soup—paired with Pork Dumplings makes it clear they’re leaving a delicious mark with their creativity. ?? We love seeing trainees finish strong with dishes that reflect their passion and dedication. ?? Congratulations, Scout, on your upcoming graduation! ?? We can’t wait to see what you cook up next! ?? #CatalystKitchens #CookingUpChange #LifesKitchen #ServingSecondChances #CulinaryTraining #FutureChef #FoodWithPurpose #WorkforceDevelopment

?? Celebrating THREE Years of @necatboston with Catalyst Kitchens! ?? For the past THREE years, New England Culinary Arts Training (NECAT) has been a proud member of Catalyst Kitchens, transforming lives through culinary education and career development in Boston. Their 12-week Culinary Arts Job Training Program provides hands-on skills training, social-emotional support, and career coaching—all at no cost—helping chronically unemployed and underemployed adults gain the confidence and skills needed to succeed in the food service industry. With 150 students enrolled annually across their three training locations—Boston Training Center, Suffolk County House of Correction, and East Boston YMCA—NECAT is breaking barriers, empowering individuals, opening doors of opportunity and strengthening communities. ?? Hands-on culinary education ?? Career guidance & job placement assistance ?? Social-emotional support & case management We’re proud to celebrate NECAT’s impact and this milestone! Here’s to many more years of opportunities, empowering students, strengthing communities and achieving success. ?? #CatalystKitchens #MemberSpotlight #CulinaryTraining #WorkforceDevelopment #NECATBoston #FoodServiceCareers #SocialImpact

?? Don't miss out! ?? 1st Workshop of 2025: Train the Trainer ??? Date: April 4 ?? Location: Reconcile New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana ?? Spotlight: Engagement Strategies for Opportunity Youth Join Catalyst Kitchens @catalystkitchens for our first Train the Trainer Workshop of 2025 at Reconcile New Orleans! ????? In this workshop, you'll explore proven engagement strategies tailored for opportunity youth, led by Chef Dina Altieri, our Director of Education and Training, and co-facilitated with experts from Reconcile New Orleans. This workshop is perfect for those passionate about workforce development and training programs for youth. ?? Key takeaways: Effective strategies to engage and empower opportunity youth Networking with experts in workforce development Hands-on guidance to elevate your training programs ? The Train the Trainer Workshop includes five core sessions: 1?? Program Design 2?? Learning and Training 3?? Assessment and Feedback 4?? Team Alignment 5?? Employer Relationship Development ?? Spots are limited and selling fast! Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your program and help make a real impact! ?? Register here: https://lnkd.in/gUhxY4gk #CatalystKitchens #TrainTheTrainer #OpportunityYouth #WorkforceDevelopment #ReconcileNewOrleans #ElevateYourProgram #2025Workshops @cafereconcile

??? A night of celebration, connection, and culinary impact in NYC! Catalyst Kitchens Executive Director Justin Smith attended the Food Education Fund Gala at Tribeca 360, honoring the growth of our members and their incredible impact. The evening marked Danielle Beam’s 2nd anniversary as FEF’s Executive Director, a testament to her leadership and the program’s expansion. Justin reconnected with Emma’s Torch Emma's Torch leaders Kira O'Brien (CHRO & NY Director) and Alexander Harris (Executive Culinary Director), engaged with FEF students, including one crafting rolled ice cream for Alex, and met Junior Board members Patrick Lim and Simran Mirchandani. A true showcase of culinary education and workforce development in action! ???? #CatalystKitchens #FoodEducationFund #EmmasTorch #CulinaryCareers #WorkforceDevelopment #PassTheSpatula #CommunityImpact

? Breaking bread in Philadelphia and celebrating culinary career pathways! Catalyst Kitchens Justin Smith (Executive Director) and Jason Pruett (Director of Kitchen Innovation) wrapped up a productive day at Philabundance Community Kitchen with a fantastic dinner at Red Owl Tavern, an employment partner supporting Philabundance graduates. Dining at a restaurant that actively hires culinary trainees is a testament to the power of workforce development, proving that hands-on training leads to real-world opportunities. Cheers to strong partnerships, great food, and expanding career pathways in the foodservice industry! ????? #CatalystKitchens #Philabundance #RedOwlTavern #CulinaryCareers #WorkforceDevelopment #CommunityImpact

??? A delicious showcase of culinary talent! During the Philabundance Model Membership Standards Review, students of Philabundance Community Kitchen put their skills to the test, preparing an outstanding lunch for a group of culinary and workforce development leaders. ??????? Catalyst Kitchens Justin Smith (Executive Director) and Jason Pruett (Director of Kitchen Innovation), alongside Nick Wolber (Director) and Candace Matthews-Bass (Program Manager of Job Training) from Philabundance, enjoyed a meal crafted with care and skill. Also joining were peer reviewers Paul Jensen (COO, Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) and Nick Heishman (Cafe Manager, Manna on Main Street), who witnessed firsthand the impact of Philabundance's culinary training program. This meal was more than just food—it was a testament to the dedication, hard work, and future career potential of these aspiring culinary professionals! ???? #CatalystKitchens #Philabundance #CulinaryTraining #FutureChefs #WorkforceDevelopment #FoodWithImpact #CommunityEmpowerment