Momentum Advisory Collective

Momentum Advisory Collective (M.A.C.) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of justice-involved youth through innovative culinary training programs. Building upon the success of Café Momentum, a nonprofit restaurant and culinary training facility in Dallas, Texas, M.A.C. partners with community leaders across the United States. The goal is to launch and manage programs that provide life skills training, education, and employment opportunities to at-risk youth exiting juvenile detention facilities.

Flagship Program: Café Momentum

The organization's flagship program, Café Momentum, offers a 12-month paid internship for youth aged 15-19 involved in the justice system. Participants receive comprehensive training in all aspects of operating a fine dining restaurant, including culinary skills, customer service, and business management.

Simultaneously, they are supported by a robust ecosystem of wraparound services, such as individual case management, assistance with basic needs, mental health support, and educational support to attain their high school diplomas and pursue higher education.

Impact and Outcomes

Since its inception in 2015, Café Momentum has served over 1,200 youth in Dallas and achieved significant outcomes.

• 54% of interns were high school dropouts upon joining the program, but 100% are now re-enrolled in school and on track to graduate.
• 77% of interns voluntarily receive mental health counseling.
• None of the 2019 cohort interns recidivated in 2020.

Vision and Mission

Momentum Advisory Collective envisions a nation where the basic and socioemotional needs of youth are met, understanding that when a child undergoes trauma, they need support, not incarceration.

The organization aims to build clear pathways out of incarceration, providing today's most at-risk youth with access to resources, opportunities, and trauma-informed support, enabling them and future generations to thrive, not just survive.

Locations

In addition to its Dallas location, M.A.C. has expanded its impact by opening Café Momentum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 2023, and is planning to launch a new location in Atlanta, Georgia.

Momentum Advisory Collective locations include:

• Dallas, Texas
• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Atlanta, Georgia, USA

The organization continues to explore opportunities to partner with communities across the country to establish more Café Momentum programs, aiming to reach 25 cities within the next decade.

Systemic Change and Public Perception

Through its innovative approach, Momentum Advisory Collective is not only providing at-risk youth with the skills and support needed to succeed but also working to shift the public perception of justice-involved youth.

They also strive to stimulate systemic change in the juvenile justice system.