Seattle Press on Line - Farestart Restaurant Provides Jobs and Motivation for Homeless

Restaurant Reviews

Downtown

Farestart Restaurant Provides Jobs and Motivation for Homeless

By Nana Goto

Apr 07, 1999 -- "FareStart is a way out," said Barbara Reed, Development Director of FareStart. Since its inception in 1992, the non-profit organization
FareStart has trained more than 100 students who had been homeless, helping them change their lives through job training and employment in the food industry. More than 90 percent of FareStart graduates are employed upon graduation, and 84 percent of these graduates are still working after 90 days. This success is the product of an effective, high-level training program.

The FareStart job-training program is an intensive sixteen-week course that combines practical work experience and classroom instruction. FareStart offers a structured environment for students to learn and practice professional work skills and attitudes that will serve them for a lifetime. FareStart also has good support services such as housing, food, clothing, and counseling. FareStart also helps students prepare for a job; each student is coached in resume preparation and takes part in a "mock interview."

One student told The Seattle Press, "I love FareStart." He spoke with confidence and contentment. "I'm telling you, this is a great program." Anyone who visits the FareStart restaurant on Second and Virginia will see that the students are doing great, professional work.

According to Reed, homelessness is a growing and persistent problem. It is estimated that there are 8,000 to 10,000 homeless people in the greater Seattle area. Reed hopes that FareStart graduates will give homeless people examples of success. Presently, 88 percent of FareStart students are men. FareStart would like to attract more women to the program and has developed a relationship with Jubilee Women's Center, a transitional housing facility on Capitol Hill.

The FareStart Restaurant is open to the public and serves a gourmet lunch buffet style. Lunchtime is busy, and most tables are filled with FareStart fans eating great food. The lunch buffet features hot entrees, soups, salads, vegetarian dishes, pasta made to order, and dessert--all for only $6.95. Lunch is served Monday to Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Thursday night is Guest Chef Night, a popular evening among Seattle gourmands. On Guest Chef Night, Seattle's best chefs donate food and time, supervising the students in the preparation and presentation of a three-course menu. This fantastic meal is $13.50, and you absolutely have to have a reservation for dinner.

For Guest Chef Night reservations or more information about FareStart, call (206) 443-1233. For information about Jubilee Women's Center, call (206) 324-1244.

Reader Comments

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Nancy Jarmin	Aug 21, 2003	Cashmere, WA	Life & Health Insurance Agent
Your terrific program is so necessary. I would love to visit the restaurant however, I'm seldom in Seattle on a weekday. Are you ever open on Saturday and/or Sunday?


Morouj Al-Abdali	Dec 26, 2003	Kent wa 98031	Restaurant Manager
I am looking for anew job with a growing company