Panera Grads
Posted by Sue Wagener | Filed under Announcements
Our first three interns for Panera Cares Community Cafe graduated last night. After a 10 week training program with Panera, the three youth now have full time employment with Panera. Eileen Guelich, our Employment Counselor had this to say about the experience:
“I wanted to bring to everyone’s attention the incredible blessing it is to be in partnership with Panera Bread…and the wonderful accomplishments that our 3 graduating interns, Lacey, Michael and Rick, have achieved.
The first and foremost point I want to make is that this is the first internship that THE COV has undertaken. Initially, all the students were skeptical of working and not being paid…..some did not even apply because of that. But now, after 10 weeks, when I see those students and ask what they have been doing for the past 10 wks., they have all said NOTHING. So, point being, our 3 grads, after the same 10 wks, have earned at least 3 certifications, jobs at Panera, invaluable experience and a strong support system, headed up by a faithful mentor. The program is strong and effective.
Thanks for supporting our youth as they endeavor to tear down their walls of failure and defeat. It is a process, but these 3 students have really been transformed. What a joy and delight to observe and be a part of……..
Quinton Jones said: “Consequence lays swift on the curbs of choice…”, and Lacey, Michael and Rick have really made some good choices for their lives. Lets encourage them to keep pressing on daily! It is not over, it has just begun.”
With love, Eileen
Lacey, Rick and Michael
Tags: Covenant House, Panera Bread, Youth Success
Panera Bread Partners with CHMO
Posted by Sue Wagener | Filed under Announcements, Covenant House Youth
Panera Cares and Covenant House are teaming up for a Job Transition Internship this February. This is a totally new concept for Panera – they researched and interviewed over 20 agencies in the St. Louis area and chose CHMO as their partner. Our youth will have the ongoing opportunity to intern at the Panera Clayton Community Cafe for six to ten weeks. They’ll learn life skills and job skills designed to provide them with personal and professional growth. The ultimate goal is to place our youth in a paying job with Panera. Ron Shaich, Panera founder, sparked this idea in hopes of giving back to the community. Needless to say, it is an incredible opportunity for our youth. About 25 interested youth showed up today to learn more and meet the people they’d be working with at the Clayton location. We are thrilled to be partnering with such an inspiring organization and look forward to playing a role in their efforts to better our community.
Panera employees take time to talk with our youth.
Tags: Covenant House Missouri, employment program, homeless youth, Panera Bread, St. Louis Bread Company
