Root's mission is to help young adults, ages 16-26, create a pathway to independence through foodservice training and employment. By developing essential life and work readiness skills, youth leave Root prepared for success in the workplace. Root's Youth Workforce Development Program is our primary program and provides young adults with the opportunity to gain hard and soft life skills that will increase their probability of long-term success in the workforce. Trainees are immersed in the culinary arts and food service training, workforce readiness, and social and emotional learning throughout the 14-week program. Graduates leave the program with 250+ hours of culinary skills training; basic financial literacy training; completion of an externship at a local restaurant or food service business; a professional portfolio, including a resume and references; completion of soft skills workshops on social and cognitive skills, self-agency, communication, and confidence, two industry-recognized ServSafe Certifications and an earned stipend of up to $600. Root's social enterprises - the Root Cafe, Catering by Root, HarborPoint event space, and our Community Catering initiative - all provide further training and employment opportunities for Root graduates. Employment with Root includes 6-to-12 month kitchen production roles, to per-diem-event support roles to augment other youth employment, all starting at least $1.00 above minimum wage. Root's social enterprises provide additional skill development, targeted coaching, and leadership opportunities to prepare alumni of our workforce development program for continued professional growth and access to a living wage. Additionally, Root's Community Catering helps address food insecurity in Essex County. Each week, Root youth employees produce 500+ meals, using produce sourced from local farms, for seniors, families, and children served by partner agencies and organizations.