During lunchtime in Central City, Café Reconcile brings a steady stream of diners, but what’s happening behind the scenes is even more meaningful. Operated by the nonprofit Reconcile New Orleans, the café serves as a hands-on training ground for young adults ages 16 to 24. Through its comprehensive workforce development program, Reconcile helps participants overcome personal and professional barriers, gain real-world experience, and build the skills they need to succeed in work and in life.
“When [you dine in], you’re dining with a purpose,” says Kheri Billy, CEO of Reconcile New Orleans. “When you eat with us, you’re actively participating in the program. You’re investing in the next generation of talent.”
From Roux to Readiness
Reconcile’s program is structured around four intensive tiers that blend soft skills, technical training, and personal development. Interns begin in the classroom, working with case managers to assess their goals and remove any roadblocks to success. From basic needs like ID recovery or dental care to mental health therapy and financial coaching, each intern receives a customized plan.
Once stabilized, interns step into the café, rotating through the front and back of house. With hospitality professionals guiding them every step of the way, they practice everything from food service and prep to conflict resolution and teamwork under pressure. After café training comes career exploration: résumé writing, mock interviews, and career mapping based on the intern’s strengths and interests. In Tier 4, they head offsite for a paid externship in a field they’ve chosen, whether it’s hospitality, barbering, business, or beyond.
The journey doesn’t end after graduation either; Reconcile offers 12 months of post-program support, with case managers checking in monthly to make sure alumni are still on track, whether that’s holding a job, continuing their education, or navigating life’s curveballs.
Built for New Orleans, By New Orleans
Reconcile began in 2000 as an after-school program for neighborhood children. Over the years, as community needs shifted, the organization grew into the comprehensive youth workforce hub it is today. Located in historic Central City, Reconcile now employs a diverse team of chefs, career coaches, social workers, and nonprofit professionals, all united in one mission: to invest in young people and the systems that shape them. “Cafe Reconcile is like a really rich gumbo with a whole lot of flavor,” Billy adds.
And it’s not just the team that makes that possible; Community support is baked into the model, with 100 percent of café profits going directly toward interns’ paid stipends and training. With the support of everyday diners, donors, and industry partners, Reconcile has helped over 2,000 young people step confidently into their next chapter.
Big Milestone, Bigger Mission
As Reconcile celebrates its 25th anniversary this month, the organization is taking time to reflect and recharge. Alongside a celebratory dinner event and Sunday lunch series, leadership is also deep into a new three-year strategic plan focused on long-term impact and policy advocacy.
“Our work is really about deepening our investment in young people [by] looking at the long-term wins and impact for young people,” Billy says.
At its core, Reconcile is about offering young people the same thing every good dish offers: nourishment, warmth, and something to build on. Supporting Reconcile New Orleans is as easy—and impactful—as enjoying a good meal. By dining at Cafe Reconcile for lunch, served Monday through Friday, you’re helping fund paid training opportunities for interns in the program. You can also donate directly at cafereconcile.org to support their mission year-round. Spread the word by sharing Reconcile’s story with friends, family, and local business owners who may be interested in hiring interns or externs. And don’t forget to stay tuned for volunteer and event opportunities during their 25th anniversary celebration.