TAL August:September 2024 Issue Volume 23 No. 2 | Page 52

internship program . Café Momentum provides a 12-month curriculum to train interns in all aspects of running a successful casual fine dining restaurant . The Momentum model focuses on four key components : paid workforce development , education , mental health , and 24 / 7 case management . Through their wraparound services , Café Momentum ’ s internship program develops holistic , individualized plans for young people designed to help them address issues they have had to confront throughout their lives .
Locations are explored and vetted on an ongoing basis , with two to three locations selected each year . Criteria such as available funding , an area ’ s justice-
COMMUNITY involved youth population , the impact juvenile justice has on a city and state , available workforce in a city , and the market are all carefully researched .
Georgia-Pacific recognizes the advantages of identifying everyone ’ s comparative advantage – the skills , knowledge , and talents that can make a positive impact . Involvement in the judicial system does not diminish what a person can contribute to their community . But it does present unique challenges in finding opportunities to grow . With Café Momentum , people can make the most of their second chance .
In 2015 , Café Momentum opened its flagship restaurant in Dallas , Texas , led by founder and chef Chad Houser . Since then , the program expanded to Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania in March 2023 and will open in Atlanta this fall . Café Momentum Denver is set to open next year , with Houston and Baltimore to follow . Gunshow in Atlanta , Georgia www . atlantabar . org THE ATLANTA LAWYER 27