HOPES

Hospitality Opportunities for People (Re)Entering Society

Putting Justice-Involved Young Adults on a Path to Employment and Independence

Using a Community Collaborative Model, the NRAEF partners with Departments of Corrections, Community-Based Organizations and State Restaurant Associations 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. 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.

Program Partners

Learn more about the HOPES program partners at the links below.

Department of Corrections

The DOCs identify eligible candidates for the HOPES program and provide industry training and program engagement for candidates during incarceration.

Illinois Department of Corrections

Virginia Department of Corrections

Community Based Organizations

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 support.

Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD)
Boston, Massachusetts

Safer Foundation
Chicago, Illinois

OAR of Richmond
Richmond, Virginia

State Restaurant Associations

The SRAs connect participants with employment opportunities through their employer partners and identify employers for recruitment. SRAs also play a critical role in educating employers on the HOPES initiative.

Illinois Restaurant Association

Massachusetts Restaurant Association

Virginia Restaurant, Lodging and Travel Association

Training and 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.

MOD PIZZA

MPACT BOSTON [PDF Download]

Program Resources

Interested in learning more about the HOPES project? Download the program resources below.

HOPES Fact Sheet

Our Model: Community Collaborative Infographic

Current Partner Resources

Already enrolled in HOPES? Click below for resources for current partners.

Partner Resources

HOPES is funded through a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. This web page was created by NRAEF and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This web page content is copyrighted by NRAEF.

Get in Touch

If you'd like to learn more about the HOPES initiative or how to get involved, contact us at 202-331-5908 or send us an email:

Contact HOPES