The Fresh Grounds Cafe Youth Training Program
The Fresh Grounds Cafe Youth Training Program is a multi-phased vocational training program that offers youth the chance to learn and practice work skills in a supported, trauma-informed environment. The mission of the program is to promote workforce and educational attachment, confidence, and life skills for young people who are homeless/at risk, experience disabilities, and/or other challenges to mainstream employment. The training program enrolls and trains 30+ new youth annually, and includes a formal customer service, barista and safe food preparation training curriculum.

A vocational “jump start" experience in a friendly neighborhood café
- A 4-week on-the-job experience that trains youth in all aspects of café service, customer service, barista skills, and safe food preparation skills.
- A 4-week concurrent vocational workshop that assists youth to explore their unique vocational preferences, deconstruct barriers to employment or education, and plan their next step.
- A stipend upon completion, and linkage to employment opportunities at Fresh Grounds or in the community.
- Opportunity for paid internship as a Barista I
- Opportunity for hire as a Barista II
Who is a good candidate for the training program?
- Young people 15-24 who experience challenges to employment.
- Young people 15-24 who experience homelessness or are at risk of homelessness.
- Young people 15-24 who like the idea of working in a friendly, supported environment, learning to make espresso drinks, and interacting with great customers.
What are the outcomes of the training program?
- 100% of training graduates get an introduction to a real-world yet supported work experience.
- 100% of training graduates are linked to basic resources that support independence.
- 100% of training graduates are better prepared to enter the workforce and educational settings.
- 70% of training graduates are linked to subsequent employment.
How do I refer a trainee or get more information?
For more information, please contact the Fresh Grounds Café Vocational Specialist, Kathleen Coolidge at 651-291-3842 or kcoolidge@rseden.org.
Trainee Comments
"I learned to improve my cooking, cleaning, and customer services skills."
"I learned how to overcome shyness and acquire better communication skills."
"I learned how to multi-task!"
Help Our Mission
As a non-profit social service program, Fresh Grounds relies on donations. 100% of our profits go back into our programming. Your patronage and donations double as an investment in our youth, our community, and our future.