Hospitality Opportunities for People Re-Entering Society (HOPES)
HOPES GO5 in Connecticut
Email us at foundation@ctrestaurant.org to request more information today.
The HOPES GO5 program is an initiative by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) designed to prepare justice-involved young adults (ages 18–24) for careers in the restaurant and hospitality industry through training, mentorship, and paid short term work experiences.
In Connecticut, the program is available to individuals in the Bridgeport area and is delivered through a partnership with the Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation (CHEF), Career Resources Inc., and the CT Department of Correction. Participants complete 200-hour paid work experiences with local employers and receive work-readiness training, industry credentials like ServSafe, individualized case management, and job placement support.
Funded by U.S. Department of Labor grants, HOPES GO5 aims to create stable, living-wage career pathways while strengthening the local hospitality workforce.
HOPES GO5 in Connecticut
The Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation, Career Resources Inc., and the Connecticut Department of Corrections work collaboratively to provide justice-involved young adults with the skills, competencies, and industry credentials needed to secure gainful employment in the restaurant and food-service industry.
Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation (CHEF)
Works to identify and recruit employer partners, educate them on the HOPES initiative, and connect participants with career information and employment opportunities through these partnerships.
Connecticut Department of Corrections
Identifies eligible participants and provides industry training and program engagement for participants during incarceration.
Community Based Organization (CBO)
Career Resources Inc. conducts participant enrollment pre-release or during reentry, and provides individualized plans, coaching, and case management, including training, wraparound services, employment placement, and 12 months of follow-up support.
Employer Partners
Local restaurant and hospitality businesses provide meaningful, hands-on learning and mentorship while gaining motivated, job-ready participants and strengthening the local hospitality workforce.
5 Core Components
Work-Readiness Training (Restaurant Ready)
Participants are trained in six core competency areas: personal responsibility, communication, attitude, learning, customer service, and restaurant-industry specific skills.
Industry Credentialing (ServSafe)
Participants receive training and certification in ServSafe, the industry standard for food safety and management.
Individualized Case Management
Partner organizations provide personalized planning, support, and mentorship to help participants navigate the transition from the justice system.
Job Placement and Mentorship
Participants are directly connected with a network of local and national restaurant and hospitality employers for job placement.
Apprenticeship and Career Pathway Opportunities
HOPES provides access to further training, registered apprenticeships, and long-term career development to ensure continued growth and retention in the industry.
Quick Links
Career Resources Inc.
Connecticut HOPES Program
Connecticut HOPES News
Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation (CHEF)
HOPES GO5
HOPES Community Collaborative Deck
National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF)
Restaurant Ready
Restaurant Ready HOPES Fact Sheet
ServSafe
Are you a local CT business interested in being an Employer Partner?
Please watch our Employer Partner Information Call. Ready to get started? Email foundation@ctrestaurant.org to learn more about HOPES and how you can help provide a path to employment.
* HOPES Growth Opportunities 5 is 100% funded through a $5.1 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. This webpage was created by CRA/CHEF and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This webpage content is copyrighted by CRA/CHEF.