While on their tour of the Academy, our members and staff shared some of our best practices with them. With Chef Ruth in tow, they spent a good deal of time exploring our culinary team, both front and back of house. For their part, they inspired us with the details of their horticulture team, and delighted us with a bounty of fresh greens and fruit from their bourgeoning “garden of hope.”  Their gift made it promptly onto the lunch menu, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Hope Clubhouse has a membership of over 200 members annually. They have a robust supported employment unit, and also provide housing, education, and wellness support to its members. Like the Academy, their values support the potential of all individuals to lead a satisfying and meaningful life, including becoming employed. We are proud to be affiliated with them under the umbrella of Clubhouse International, and moreover, to share mutual respect as programs that deeply value a culture of optimism and limitless potential.

Pictured left to right are Ruth Cohen, William McKeever, Erin Broussard, Ben Burnside, Mark Doren, Kevin Geyer, Ian Churchill and Patty Haltinner