With nearly 18,000 people in Maricopa County left homeless last year, the demand for change in our community is tremendous. Thankfully, Phoenix Rescue Mission (PRM) is making the difference all over Maricopa County and beyond, due in part to the upcoming grand opening of Mission Possible Café. PRM’s third concept, Mission Possible provides opportunity for the clients of the local non-profit organization to gain valuable work experience in areas including food service operations, development leadership, and preparation for successful placement in management-level positions within the foodservice industry.
PRM clients often arrive with little to no job experience, which led the organization to take a more holistic approach to rehabilitation. Rather than simply focusing on combating drug addiction and homelessness, PRM aids in job training through its vocational development program. PRM’s goal is to help the men and women involved in the programs get back on their feet.
Coming to the Valley this upcoming fall season, Mission Possible Café will feature southwestern-inspired cuisine with an focus on delicious, fresh-made Mexican grilled food items, emphasizing strong customer service, quality food, convenience, and affordable prices. “Adding Mission Possible Café to Mission Cookies and Mission Catering as training ground for our already successful Food Service Manager’s Training program, will allow us to continue to serve our clients and help them advance,” says Jay A. Cory, President and CEO of Phoenix Rescue Mission.
Clients of PRM endure a rigorous, demanding, and life-changing eight month course beginning with four months of classes, where they learn about food service and other practical skills. The ensuing four months consist of work at the Café.
From first operating the program from the kitchen of a facility nearby, the building Mission Possible Café now resides in will also house PRM offices, classrooms, meeting rooms, and storage space. The Café will provide clients with job training and a chance to gain resume-building experience. Phoenix Rescue Mission is a vital aid in combatting drug addiction and homelessness throughout the county and beyond as they help men, women, and children alike.
It’s obvious how much Phoenix Rescue Mission has helped the community.“On the streets, it was always clear where I was going. I was a drug addict. I was either going to die or end up in jail. Those were my options. That’s what my future looked like,” says Michelle, a member of the program. “But thanks to this place, I’m not only sober, I not only have custody of my son, I have a way to move forward and support my family. For the first time, I have hope for the future!”
The organization’s new Café will open to the public this fall at the corner of 15th Ave and Van Buren. “We hope the community will join us for a great meal and help transform lives in the process,” said Jay in a statement released by the organization earlier this month.
For some people, PRM place has made all the difference, and the community looks forward to relentlessly supporting Phoenix Rescue Mission in all its endeavors, the latest being Mission Possible Café. To donate, get involved, or learn more about PRM, please visit their official website at phoenixrescuemission.org.
