Help: Fresh Start Catering

Once stabilized, members have the opportunity to learn skills and receive paid work experience by working in the supported employment programs utilizing a tiered training system: An individual may start out in janitorial services or working at the Santa Monica Farmers Market and progress to the kitchen, which prepares two meals a day for our members, then on to Fresh Start Catering or the Fresh Start Cafe. Different job skills are taught at every station. Mandatory classes teaching coping skills for workplace challenges and stress, help with job retention. With the guidance of Step Up on Second’s supported employment training staff and peer trainers — their safety net— even individuals who have been chronically homeless and affected by mental illness have a chance to regain their lives.

As part of our vocational training, Step Up operates a convenience store, located in the heart of downtown Santa Monica called Fresh Start. Fresh Start sells various convenience store items including chips, candy, soda and ice cream as well as offering freshly-prepared breakfast and lunch items such as meatloaf, macaroni and cheese, sandwiches, soups. We also have the best brownies and banana bread in town!

Members are trained in cashiering as well as kitchen support positions. Step Up also employs members in peer support as well as janitorial positions throughout the organization. Each employed member works with a job coach to assist them in their job performance and work habits.

When a member is ready to seek outside employment our vocational counselors work with local businesses to place members in part-time job openings. We've placed members in coffee houses, retail stores and even financial firms.

Fresh Start Catering provides catering services to local businesses, organizations and groups ranging in size from 5 to 75 people. Fresh Start Catering offers delicious fare such as exotic chicken and vegetable dishes to a variety of sandwiches. Our members' employment experience in Fresh Start serves as a jumping point into regular unsubsidized employment in community settings.

For inquiries regarding Fresh Start, contact:

Amy Stone
Vice President of Vocational Services
(310) 394-6889 x17

Or by e-mail via our Contact Form.