The United States has one of the highest incarceration rates in the world, and young people released from detention face severe obstacles to sustainable employment and re-entry. According to one estimate, around 70% of justice-involved young adults are re-arrested, suggesting employment and stability are key to breaking the cycle.
The Heckscher Foundation supported Drive Change (NYC) to help create employment pathways in the hospitality sector for formerly incarcerated youth. Drive Change’s fellowship/training program immerses participants in culinary and hospitality careers — from training in a commercial kitchen or food-truck café to earning food-handlers’ certification and industry placements. The program partners with restaurants and hospitality employers to secure full-time employment opportunities, while providing wrap-around services (career coaching, social support, mental-health services) tailored to the complex needs of justice-impacted youth.