HOPES Program (Hospitality Opportunities for People ReEntering Society)

• Read the original press release here.
• Visit the NRAEF's website page for more information.

• 152,000 people 18-24 were under the jurisdiction of state or federal correctional authorities in 2017.
• The unemployment rate for formerly incarcerated people is over six times that for the general United States population (prior to COVID-19), and 60% to 75% remain unemployed one year after release.
• Formerly incarcerated individuals who maintained employment for one year post-release had only a 16 percent recidivism rate over three years as compared to a 52 percent recidivism rate for those who did not maintain employment.

• Restaurant careers are accessible, diverse, and opportunity-rich. Restaurant and foodservice operations careers do not require a high school diploma, GED, licensure or certification. Restaurants employ more minority managers than any other industry and 90% of all restaurant managers started in entry-level positions.
• Restaurants need a well-trained workforce. Employers are looking for qualified staff familiar with new health and hygiene guidelines, HOPES participants receive ServSafe training which is widely recognized and fulfills many local requirements.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Using a Community Collaborative Model, the NRAEF has partnered with the IRAEF, the Illinois Departments of Corrections, and local community-based organizations, Safer Foundation and Lawrence Hall, to connect young adults, ages 18-24 with current or previous justice-involvement, to career opportunities in the restaurant, foodservice and hospitality industry.

HOPES partners utilize the NRAEF’s Restaurant Ready training framework to equip young adults currently in correctional facilities, on parole/probation, or with former justice-involvement. Once a participant completes work-readiness and industry-specific training, HOPES helps them gain employment in a local restaurant and/or foodservice establishment. IRAEF and the NRAEF works with employers and partnering organizations to help further the professional training and education of HOPES participants through connections to credentials and apprenticeship programs. HOPES is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration.

WHICH ORGANIZATIONS PLAY A ROLE?

• The Illinois Restaurant Association - IRAEF connects participants with employment opportunities through our employer members/partners, identifies employers for recruitment and assists with resume development, interview and job search skills.
  
• The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) -The IDOC identifies eligible candidates for the HOPES program and provides industry training and program engagement for candidates during incarceration.
• Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) - These organizations are our partners in connecting with young adults who may be a match for the HOPES program. The CBOs connect with candidates to conduct formal enrollment during correction-based industry training or in the community if already in reentry. CBOs provide coaching and case management, including: additional training, wraparound services, employment placement and 12 months of follow-up s upport. Our local partners include:
  • Safer Foundation: Safer Foundation is one of the nation’s largest nonprofits working tirelessly to disrupt the cycle of recidivism and social injustice in our society. For nearly 50 years, we’ve been a leader in the fight to break down barriers and provide people with arrest and conviction records the opportunity for a second chance. Supporting over 5,000 men, women and youth in attaining gainful employment each year, we help people build better lives, stronger families and safer communities.
  • Lawrence Hall: For more than 150 years, Lawrence Hall has been delivering high quality care to abused and neglected youth and their families throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. The agency has not only sustained itself for the duration, but it has redefined how our traumatized youth are educated and treated.  Lawrence Hall is a statewide leader in highly-effective, evidence-based, and innovative therapeutic treatment. The agency’s unique continuum of care, which promotes overall well-being led by an expert staff, has positioned Lawrence Hall to meet the changing and complex needs of youth and families by not only becoming more community-based but by developing more preventative programs that help curb violence in our communities.

• Training & Employer Partners - Employers hire justice-involved young adults and support opportunities for career growth. Employers work with partners during the 12 month follow-up period to ensure participant retention and skill development, as well as foster apprenticeship connections. Currently participating restaurants and hotels include:
  • Manny's Cafeteria and Delicatessen
  • MOD Pizza
  • SAVOR...Chicago

WANT TO LEARN MORE AND BECOME INVOLVED?

Reach out to Jessica Blomquist jblomquist@illinoisrestaurants.org