The Matthews House is a comprehensive strengths-based human services program founded in Fort Collins in 2005. They have numerous programs meant to strengthen the social and economic opportunities of youth and families in Larimer County. They have progressed during their development from intervention programs to increasingly successful prevention programs.
Their newest program is Restaurant Ready in partnership with the National Restaurant Association. TMH is one of 5 pilot programs across the nation, meant to pair industry training classes (ranging from safety to systems to management) with social support and peer relationships - a whole-person approach to jobs training and personal empowerment. The program has received strong community support from for staffing requirements and programs, but lacks for direct capital support for equipment needs for a growing program. The first group of 28 students is in process now, and there are indications for strong demand growth in 2018.
The grant total of $30,000 would build a strong foundation for this program growth, and empower an upskilled workforce for the vibrant, growing, and employee-starved restaurant industry in Fort Collins and greater Northern Colorado. Current operations are accommodated with borrowed or outdated equipment, some of which is in need of update and/or replacement. The specific usage of the grant dollars are proposed as follows:
12 workstations @ $500 = $6,000
12 Tablets @ $400 = $4,000
Modern Point Of Sale System = $12,000
Assorted Restaurant Equipment = $12,000 (itemization available)
Submitting Rotary member is a part of the newly-launched TMH Ambassadors program, seeking to encourage community members of all capacities to make recurring donations to The Matthews House prevention programs. Curt was on the Board of Directors for 4 years, much of which as President of the Board.
Club members could be involved in the Ambassador program at any level, and could serve in various volunteer capacities - from providing community dinners to experiential education, HOST home provision, and many others including direct service or involvement with the Restaurant Ready program.
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