2. Café Reconcile is a community addressing the system of generational poverty, violence and neglect in
the New Orleans area. The innovative life skills and job training program assists young people (ages
16–22) from severely at-risk communities who desire to make a positive change in their lives.
3. Reconcile’s students arrive facing a vast array of challenges, from extreme poverty
and high school attrition to homelessness, violence, and participation in the juvenile
justice system. Nonetheless, these young people possess a deep desire to break the
cycle and become productive, contributing members of society.
1) The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans served Café Reconcile in two ways. The first was our
Executive Chef went to Café Reconcile to teach them a new recipe, as well as
techniques. He spent most of the day with the students ensuring they had fully
grasped the techniques. The second was we invited Café Reconcile to The RitzCarlton for a tour with a Q&A session, which included everything from what a hiring
manager looks for to interview techniques.
2) The Ritz-Carlton plans on continuing this partnership through Chef Demonstrations,
Mock Interviews, and Tours with Q&A Sessions.
3) If Café Reconcile were to win the prize money, they would use the funds to help
initiate a new Advanced Training Program for their graduates, helping them work
their way up the career ladder, get promotions and secure jobs that pay a true living
wage of $15/hour and higher so they can support themselves and their families
independent of all other external support.
