Phoenix (STN) – At UMOM, opportunity isn’t theoretical; it’s practical, hands-on, and deeply intentional. That philosophy is at the heart of Homegrown, the organization’s workforce development program that began with Helpings Café and now extends far beyond the kitchen.
“Homegrown is an eight-week culinary training program,” said Ashley Oakley, vice president of development at UMOM. “It takes what we already have here on campus and puts it in a real-life situation so students can build confidence and enter the job market when they graduate.”
But Oakley and Deputy CEO Monique Lopez saw a bigger opportunity. Not every client wants to work in the food service industry, but every client deserves access to a livable wage.
“Last spring, we started talking about evolving Homegrown beyond culinary training,” Lopez said. “We launched the warehouse and logistics track. It’s a four-week program where students learn forklift certification, inventory management, and all the life skills that come with it.”
WATCH: Homegrown graduates now leave UMOM with skills, certifications, and jobs
Graduates are now being hired within 30 to 60 days by employers such as Amazon and Cisco. The goal for every participant is to earn employment income in an industry of their choosing.
Corporate partners have responded quickly. “They see the value in what we’re providing,” Oakley said. “It makes sense. We already have the kitchen, the café, and the operations. Why wouldn’t we use that to help people earn livable wages as they exit homelessness?”
And UMOM isn’t stopping here.
“We’re in the early stages,” Lopez said. “There are limitless possibilities — maintenance, facilities, more training tracks. The goal is always the same: employment and income after UMOM.”
She smiled before adding, “This program is my favorite thing to talk about. When I see partners pull in with a box truck, excited to be part of it, that’s mission fulfilled.”
