Fresh Start is a eight week program that provides services and training on the essentials of baking to individuals who desire a career in baking as either an entrepreneur or as a baker with a local bakery in Fulton County and other counties in proximity such as Cobb, Dekalb, Douglas and Gwinnett. It is a vigorous four day program, Monday through Thursday from 7 am to 3:30 pm.

 

There are a limited number of slots as the Academy will service about 36 individuals a year with a blend of classroom work on the fundamentals of baking, test prep for the Serv Safe Certification, Entrepreneurial Business Basics, LIfe Skills, Job Skills, Internship Experience and Transitional Coaching with weekly Chop It Up Sessions all culminating in a graduation ceremony and job placement/entrepreneur venture.

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The targeted participant for this program:

• Is aged 18 to 60 years old;

• Has a history of substance abuse;

• Has been drug and alcohol free for 6 months prior to Academy enrollment;

• Has been recently released from a correctional institution who is actively engaged in a reentry program; or

• Is involved in a drug recovery program; or

• Is a resident of a local shelter; or

• Is a participant in a Workforce Development program.

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Participants once accepted will be provided with orientation, uniforms inckluding slip resistant shoes, a chef hat, Personal Protective Equipment and Academy Guidelines.

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Referrals will come from local probation/parole offices, community based organizations, Substance Abuse Recovery Programs, Homeless/Transitional Shelters, et cetera.