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OurProgram

A recipe for success in the foodservice industry.

Work Options training is fast, free and focused:

Fast

Students can complete training and become employed in as few as 20 days. Training typically lasts 4-6 weeks.

Free

Our program is offered at no cost to students.

Focused

We help students gain job-ready, transferable skills that lead to employment. After completing our core training, most students will be ready to immediately begin job search to find employment. Others will be selected for our Apprenticeship program where they will gain hands-on work experience during paid employment.

Our Training Locations

  • Our primary training center is located on the Mosaic Community Campus at 1895 Quebec Street in Denver, formerly the home of Johnson & Wales University's prestigious College of Culinary Arts. Work Options students now have the opportunity to train in these world-class teaching kitchens. 

  • Our Mobile Culinary Classroom partners with sites throughout the Metro Denver area to provide services to people re-entering the community after incarceration.

  • The Helping Hen food truck & The Helping Hen Café offer advanced training and work experience options including Internship and Apprenticeship.

What Our ProgramIncludes
Work Options’ job training and support program helps students learn job-ready skills and gain confidence. We work in partnership with students to help each to resolve their individual barriers to sustainable employment. We incorporate hands-on learning so students can practice the skills they have learned in real-world situations. Our job training and support program offers:

Culinary Skills Training

Chef Instructors provide technical training in areas such as: knife skills, culinary techniques, kitchen terminology, kitchen math and how to operate, clean, and sanitize kitchen equipment.

Students practice their culinary skills in our busy commercial kitchens, guided by a team of highly-skilled professional chefs.

 

Students earn industry-recognized credentials, such as the ServSafe Food Handler’s certificate, Restaurant Ready certificates from the National Restaurant Association, and a Certificate of Completion after maintaining employment for 90 days.

Support Services

We help students identify and build upon their individual strengths and interests. Students work with an Employment Specialist on basic needs like obtaining needed ID or transportation assistance. We can assist students in developing childcare solutions, provide referrals for physical or behavioral health needs, and provide assistance in locating appropriate housing resources ; we also offer one-on-one employability coaching and guidance. Our Employment Specialist can make referrals to community-based therapy, as needed, and can help students with safety planning in domestic and/or intimate-partner violence situations.

In addition to our culinary training, we offer short-term cognitive-behavioral group therapy classes to help students learn better coping skills and strategies for how to handle difficult situations. We also offer financial management classes to help students make the most of their earning when they become employed.

We offer a range of classes to help students understand employer expectations and build valuable workplace skills, such as conflict resolution, time management, and teamwork.

Employment Search

We help students develop and personalize their resume, learn how to search for appropriate employment opportunities and complete online applications. We also help students practice for employment interviews, complete supplemental employment documents, and offer individualized job search and matching support.

Post-Graduation Support

We check-in with graduates regularly for the first year after training completion. Program graduates have access to lifelong follow-up support and they are encouraged to contact Work Options at any time for additional support or to renew their certifications.

Paid Apprenticeship Opportunities

Interested program graduates can apply for Work Options paid Apprenticeship program. Apprentices earn a paycheck and experience to add to their resume while fulfilling the educational requirements of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation's Line Cook Apprenticeship. Apprenticeship students will find employment with one of our Employer Partners, where they will complete their Apprenticeship training and start their careers with industry-recognized credentials.

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Julie Stone

Executive Director

She/Her

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert G. Ingersoll

Julie Stone joined Work Options in 2010 as Director of Operations and was promoted to Executive Director in 2016. She brings more than a decade of institutional knowledge and a deep commitment to the organization’s mission of using food as a force for good.

As Executive Director, Julie oversees the organization’s development strategy and financial health while guiding overall organizational vision and impact. She has an extensive background in food service management, with experience ranging from fine dining to multi unit operations, and a deep understanding of Work Options’ programming, students, and community impact. Throughout her career, Julie has specialized in training and supporting individuals with limited employable skills, helping them build pathways to stable and meaningful employment.

Prior to joining Work Options, Julie managed the Ohio Governor’s Residence, where she developed and directed an innovative inmate hospitality program. This experience helped shape her commitment to workforce development, operational excellence, and inclusive leadership.

Julie holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Colorado Boulder and is a graduate of the Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University’s Greater Good Leadership Program. She also serves as a board member of the Colorado Restaurant Association and Foundation.

Julie thrives in mission driven environments where she can identify and mobilize strategic priorities to achieve both short and long term goals. She is known for building strong relationships, anticipating challenges before they arise, and translating complex ideas into clear, actionable strategies. Her leadership is grounded in strong financial management, cross functional collaboration, and a commitment to innovative, equity centered solutions.