Positive vibe foundation

Positive Vibe Foundation: Empowering People with Disabilities through Food Services

Positive Vibe Foundation is a non-profit organization that aims to empower people with disabilities by providing them with training and employment opportunities in the food services industry. The foundation operates Positive Vibe Cafe, a comfort food restaurant and catering service that serves delicious meals while also making a positive impact on the community.

The foundation was founded in 2004 by Garth Larcen, who himself has a disability. He saw the need for an organization that could provide training and employment opportunities for people like him who face barriers to traditional employment. Positive Vibe Cafe was opened in 2010 as a way to provide hands-on training for individuals with disabilities while also serving delicious food to customers.

Positive Vibe Cafe offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus featuring classic American comfort foods such as burgers, sandwiches, salads, and soups. The cafe also offers catering services for events such as weddings, corporate meetings, and private parties. All of the food is made from scratch using fresh ingredients sourced from local farms whenever possible.

What sets Positive Vibe Cafe apart from other restaurants is its commitment to empowering people with disabilities. The cafe employs individuals with various disabilities including physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), deafness or hearing loss among others. These employees work alongside able-bodied staff members in all aspects of the restaurant's operations including cooking, serving customers at tables or at events.

The foundation provides comprehensive training programs designed to help individuals develop skills needed for success in the food services industry. These programs include culinary arts classes taught by professional chefs; job readiness classes covering topics such as resume writing and interview skills; life skills classes focusing on personal finance management; social skills classes aimed at improving communication abilities among others.

Positive Vibe Foundation has received numerous awards recognizing its contributions towards empowering people with disabilities through employment opportunities in the food services industry. In 2018, the foundation was awarded the Virginia Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Award for Outstanding Nonprofit Organization. The foundation has also been featured in various media outlets including NBC News, CBS News, and Richmond Times-Dispatch.

The Positive Vibe Foundation relies on donations from individuals and organizations to support its programs. Donations can be made through the foundation's website or by attending one of its fundraising events such as the annual "Positive Vibe Cafe Benefit Concert" featuring live music performances by local artists.

In conclusion, Positive Vibe Foundation is a non-profit organization that is making a positive impact on people with disabilities by providing them with training and employment opportunities in the food services industry. Its flagship restaurant, Positive Vibe Cafe serves delicious comfort foods while also empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve their full potential. The foundation's comprehensive training programs are designed to help individuals develop skills needed for success in this industry while also improving their overall quality of life. By supporting Positive Vibe Foundation through donations or attending its fundraising events, you can help make a difference in someone's life today!