CAFÉ MOMENTUM
1510 Pacific Avenue Thanks-Giving Square, Dallas cafemomentum.org
Café Momentum is a non-profit restaurant that provides 12-month paid internship programmes for young men and women coming out of juvenile facilities. Interns rotate through all aspects of the restaurant while also developing life and social skills. A management team works to provide support and structure around each intern. “We work to establish a baseline of stability in their young lives to then help them achieve their greatest potential,” says owner/chef Chad Houser. Sixty-five per cent of Café Momentum interns are homeless, and all of the interns have been in juvenile detention. Sustained by donations, the restaurant’s goal is to break the cycle of poverty and incarceration for its interns. There is an entire wall devoted to beautiful black-and-white plates that interns have hand-painted with quotes about what they are thankful for. It’s truly inspirational.
Have A Chat
The discussions with the intern staff are most enjoyable. They’re full of life and have an innocence of restaurant etiquette that makes for a very interesting night. You can expect comments like, “Do I have something in my hair?” and “Maurice really likes your glasses!” They are priceless, and part of the rich dialogue that this restaurant brings to the table. This should be on the your list to visit as the vibe is great and you’re helping fellow humans who may not have had the best start in life. This concept should be rolled out around the world. Check it out.