Kids in the Hall Bistro provides the public with good food and excellent service, while meeting the needs of at-risk youth for training in life and employment skills. This program breaks the cycle of dependence and poverty through an innovative partnership of business, community, and the government.

Program clients usually are inner city youth (aged 16-24), many from unstable home environments. Often they have faced multiple barriers to schooling and employment. Many have been involved with the criminal justice or child welfare systems, have been homeless, or depend on social assistance.

The nine-month program is geared to tackle the issues that have blocked young people from success. This intensity-and actual on-the-job experience in a viable restaurant-has led to a success rate of nearly 80 per cent. "Success" means youth secure full-time employment or continue their education after their program ends. The "word on the street" speaks of an exciting program, and more and more youth are applying.

Program graduates leave with:

concrete employment skills
life skills
work experience and basic understanding of business practices
competency in various food service industry roles
an understanding of their responsibility for their own career development
increased self-esteem and sense of self-worth.

The program draws strength from its blending of Albertans' entrepreneurial spirit, compassion, and capacity for innovation. For participants, it means an immediate opportunity to translate theory into business activity. As a successful business venture combined with an essential social service program, Kids in the Hall Bistro operates in partnership with:

Capital City Savings
The Muttart Foundation
Metis Nation of Alberta
Youth Legal Defence Office
National Crime Prevention Centre
United Way of the Alberta Capital Region
Federal Government

Another 35 small, medium, and large businesses provide work experience opportunities. A Community Relations Advisory Committee fosters long-term community connections to meet the needs of the program, its clients, and the community.

For reservations, contact:

Kids in the Hall Bistro at City Hall
1 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2R7
E-mail: kidscatering@e4calberta.org

Phone: 780.413.8060
Fax: 780.423.7959

For program information, contact:

Calvin Avery, Program Manager
Phone: 780.983.3166
Fax: 780.413.9279
E-mail: cavery@e4calberta.org

Workshop
Alex Taylor School
9321 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5H 3T7

Phone: 780.413-9264
Fax: 780.413.9279
E-mail: kidsws@e4calberta.org