Kherut

"Starting from Scratch" Workforce Training Program

Kherut’s Workforce Training Program is built on a simple but powerful belief: when women are given the opportunity to start from scratch, they can build stable, independent, and sustainable lives. Women who have experienced trafficking, abuse, incarceration, and other significant life challenges often face complex barriers to employment. Many lack consistent work history, professional references, and the job skills needed to secure and retain employment. Without stable income, long-term independence remains out of reach. At Kherut, “Starting from Scratch” is both a philosophy and a practice. Participants learn to prepare meals from scratch—developing foundational culinary skills rooted in discipline and consistency—while also rebuilding their own lives from scratch by establishing routines, restoring confidence, and developing the skills needed to move forward. The program is delivered through a 420-hour paid workforce training model embedded within a real operating kitchen. Participants earn income while gaining hands-on experience in culinary arts, catering, customer service, and basic business operations. This approach removes a key barrier to participation and reflects the understanding that financial stability is essential to long-term success. Kherut’s model focuses on three core areas: paid, real-world training; workplace readiness and skill development; and pathways to employment. Participants build essential skills—including communication, reliability, accountability, and professionalism—and are prepared to secure and retain employment, either with Kherut or with other employers. The program is structured yet flexible, recognizing that growth and stability are not linear. Participants progress based on readiness, consistency, and skill development, ensuring each woman is supported in a way that leads to long-term success. Through partnerships with trusted organizations, participants also access critical support services such as housing, childcare, transportation, and mental health care—addressing the broader barriers that impact employment. By combining paid training, real-world experience, and employment pathways, Kherut is redefining workforce development—creating a model where women are not only trained, but truly prepared to build a new future.