The McKinney-based organization offers training and employment opportunities for adults with disabilities.
The details
The educational training program offers the opportunity for adults with disabilities to train and work within the culinary and hospitality industries, according to the release. The program offers workforce training in McKinney but will soon offer classes at the Dallas College center.
The classes will be held twice a week and are open to adults age 18 and older with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The program costs $3,200 per semester, and scholarships and sponsorships are available, the release states.
The expansion will allow more students to participate in the program, which is expected to double its impact in 2024, Hugs Café Executive Director Lauren Smith said in a statement.
"Dallas College is a team of innovative thinkers who approached Hugs Café Inc. to bring our inclusive training to a wider audience,” Smith said. “Many families in the Dallas area are looking for job training support while employers are struggling to find hospitality staff. We are happy to be creating a solution for both parties with our programming.”
Diving deeper
The 12-week culinary program was developed through a collaboration between Hugs Café staff and special education teachers. The program provides students with entry-level skills relevant to the culinary and hospitality industries.
Students are granted a food handler certification following completion of the course and are paired with a Hugs Café partner to pursue employment, according to the release. Employment partner organizations include:
- Jason’s Deli
- Marriott Hotels
- Sweetwater’s Coffee & Tea
- School district cafeterias
