Culinary students and entrepreneurs at LCVA are immigrants of multiple ethnicities, African Americans, youth, and veterans. Seventy percent live below the poverty line, and the majority are women, including single mothers, some of whom have experienced multiple traumas. What they share is a powerful desire to lift their families out of poverty and what they want are opportunities. LCVA provides hands-on training in the industrial kitchen and commercial operations, vocational English learning, job-readiness classes, mentoring, and financial literacy training. Certifications lead to paid internships in the hospitality industry and permanent jobs. The new Small Business Incubator (SBI) offers two commercial kitchens, business planning, access to micro-lending, and exposure to distribution outlets. The Community Café and Catering provide employment opportunities for youth and showcase the products of on-site entrepreneurs. La Cocina VA provides food assistance for the community and hope for the future.
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