FareStart

Last year, FareStart opened their new space with a plan to increase the number of students, catering jobs and contract meal service. We check in to see how they're doing.

While in fundraising mode for the new building, FareStart promised to double the impact on the community over the next five years. Since the move, their motto has been "Meeting the promise"--making good on their commitment.

Photo: FareStart entrance

In 2007, 40 percent of FareStart's operating budget was provided from earned revenue (restaurant meals, Guest Chef Nights, shelter and daycare meals). Students know that when they sign on for the 16-week training program at no cost, their labor helps create revenue which in turn helps the next batch of students. Graduating isn't easy--it's not just job training, it's a complete lifestyle change. Students have to be on time and complete the course. Being late or missing a class can mean starting all over again.

2007 actuals:

• 40% of operating budget
  from earned revenue
• 59 adults graduated
• 58% of students
  finished program
• 89% adult job
  placement rate
• Just under 500,000
  meals served to
  homeless men and
  women and
  childcare centers

2008 projections:

• 50% of operating budget
  from earned income
• 100 adult graduates
• 65% of students
  finishing program
• 80% adult job
  placement rate
• Just under 600,000
  meals served to
  homeless men and
  women and childcare centers

Proud of the 50% of students who graduated in 2006, they wanted to increase that number. The next 12 months (April 2007-April 2008)showed an incredible jump--72% (of those students who pass probation, 72% graduate). And even before the half-way point of this year, they've met the 50% mark on the operating budget.

Staff feel the new facility has a lot to do with the progress. They interact more frequently with students creating a sense of community and support. They've added dedicated chef trainers to each of the kitchens so students get consistent direction during hands-on training. An additional pro bono counselor (the third) has been added and they hold AA meetings on site. Student surveys told staff what was important to them: they now receive shoes and clothing early on in the program and an additional stipend for basic needs sooner than they used to. With basic needs taken care of, they can focus on training. A raffle is held each week to reward students with perfect attendance.

Photo: FareStart public dining room

With more students, finding new training opportunities is important. One they've added is their own lunch room. Instead of a room where staff and students bring food to eat and relax, they now have a full lunch service with a salad bar, hot line with three entrees and an action station where students make a dish to order. Students get added training and everyone eats better.

Private fundraising comes from many sources including FareStart events. The next event is Guest Chef on the Waterfront on July 9 from 6-9 p.m at Bell Harbor's Elliott Hall at Pier 66. The Rhone Rangers will have a wine tasting and over 50 restaurants, breweries and wineries will offer tastes throughout the evening. Games and live jazz enliven the evening emceed by Dan Thiessen of 0/8 Seafood Grill. Click here or call 206-267-6223 for tickets.

FareStart is clearly on the path of meeting their promise to our community. They have all the pieces--a facility that works, a dedicated staff, public support. The best part is that we can all support their work simply by eating at the restaurant and attending events. Easy for us and important to the community.

Connie Adams/June 2008