Opportunity Kitchen
Discover Your Culinary Future with Opportunity Kitchen
Opportunity Kitchen is Columbia Ability Alliance’s no-cost 12-week vocational food training program designed to help you achieve job success in food service, catering, and hospitality. With hands-on training at The Café by Opportunity Kitchen (located in the Richland Federal Building, Richland, WA), you’ll gain real-world skills guided by our expert Executive Chef and Program Specialist.
This program focuses on more than just culinary expertise—we’re here to equip you with the professional and life skills you need for long-term success.
Are You Eligible to Join Opportunity Kitchen?
To qualify for this program, you must meet the following criteria:
- Age: You must be 18 years or older.
- Facing Barriers to Employment: We welcome individuals who identify with one or more of the following circumstances:
- Experiencing homelessness or unstable housing.
- Living with disabilities or mental health conditions.
- Surviving domestic violence.
- Earning below the poverty line.
- Reentering the community after incarceration.
What You’ll Gain at Opportunity Kitchen
As a student, you will embark on a transformative journey to build your skills and confidence in the culinary field. Here’s what we provide:
- Hands-On Culinary Training: Learn in a fully equipped commercial kitchen with 12 weeks of practical, real-world instruction.
- Certifications: Earn your Food Handler Permits to boost your employability.
- Job Placement Assistance: Receive dedicated support to help you secure a job upon graduation.
- Life Skills and Coaching: Gain tools for personal and professional growth through tailored classes and one-on-one coaching.
- Wraparound Support Services: Benefit from holistic support to overcome personal challenges and thrive during and after the program.
How to Apply
Ready to start your culinary journey? Follow these steps:
- Check Your Eligibility: Review the criteria above to ensure this program is the right fit for you.
- Contact Opportunity Kitchen: Have questions or want to learn more? Click the button below to get in touch with our team.
- Complete the Application Form: Link to Application Form
FAQ
Do I have to pay for this program?
No, the program is completely free for qualified candidates.
What kind of jobs can I pursue after graduation?
Graduates often find success in food service, catering, hospitality, and related fields.
How long is the program?
The program is 12 weeks long, with hands-on classes and comprehensive training.
Jeremiah C. (Jem) loves his job at Opportunity Kitchen.
Jem is a highly capable young man on the autism spectrum who also has learning disabilities. At Opportunity Kitchen, he has been given responsibility and is relied upon to support the kitchen team. The fulfillment he gets out of knowing that he contributes and is needed far outweighs the financial aspects of his employment. The team also understands and values him as he is. They adapt their training and instruction to match a client’s abilities and are, therefore able to develop highly motivated, loyal employees. As Jem’s guardians, knowing that he is working with a team that not only understands him but also fully embraces the person that he is gives us peace of mind.
The staff at Opportunity Kitchen have exceeded what we had hoped for in an encouraging work environment for Jem. As a family, we couldn’t be happier with Columbia Ability Alliance and our current situation. We feel very blessed that we have this type of opportunity in our area.
– Dave C., Guardian
Latest News & Stories from Opportunity Kitchen
Dawn’s Culinary Journey
At Columbia Ability Alliance, our mission is all about transformation—helping people discover their potential, learn new skills, and feel empowered to take the next steps
Opportunity Kitchen celebrates 13th graduating class on February 1
Columbia Industries, a mission-based organization committed to empowering individuals with disabilities and other challenges, is thrilled to announce the upcoming graduation ceremony for the 13th
Columbia Industries celebrates three new Opportunity Kitchen graduates
Columbia Industries, a mission-based organization committed to supporting and empowering individuals with disabilities and other challenges, is celebrating its newest class of graduates from its
Take the First Step Towards Culinary Success!
Whether you’re passionate about food service or looking for a fresh start, contact us today to enroll in our 12-week vocational program.
No experience is necessary.
