Charity News

Hospitality Academy Helps At-Risk Youth Build Confidence, Careers And A Future

Graduation Day will hold special meaning for one Orange County, California family whose lives have been transformed through the support of Sir Bruno Serato’s Hospitality Academy — a little-known program, which helps at-risk youth discover purpose, dignity and career opportunities in the hospitality industry. Among this year’s graduates is 16-year-old Jeo Pineda, who was inspired to join the Academy by his older sister, Kim Pineda, 18. Through the off-campus education and training program, both siblings have gained valuable life and professional skills — and both now work at the same restaurant, helping stabilize and support their entire family, including their mother, Juana, and younger brother, Emmanuel, 13, who has special needs. “When our father abandoned the family, we were left without any source of income and were facing eviction,” recalls Kim. “One of my teachers became very concerned about our situation and connected us with Caterina’s Club to see if the nonprofit’s Welcome Home Program and Hospitality Academy could help.” For more than 20 years, Chef Bruno Serato’s Caterina’s Club has served weekly meals to more than 15,000 underprivileged Southern California children and helped families in need secure permanent housing. Less widely known is Serato’s organization’s Hospitality Academy, which offers vulnerable youth opportunities to build careers in restaurants, hotels, catering and other hospitality fields — helping them avoid gangs, drugs, and other dangerous influences along the way. Kim credits the programs with helping save her family during one of the most difficult periods of their lives, made even more challenging by their mother’s battle with cancer. After Caterina’s Club helped the family avoid eviction, Kim enrolled in the Hospitality Academy and worked at Anaheim White House restaurant, gaining valuable knowledge in restaurant operations and guest services. Among her newfound skills were anticipating guests’ needs, working collaboratively as part of a team, and understanding the important role each employee plays in elevating the dining experience. “At that time, I had never even stepped foot inside a fine-dining restaurant like Chef Bruno’s Anaheim White House,” says Kim. “At first, I was intimidated, especially knowing it was a destination for celebrities, presidents, royalty, athletes, and other distinguished guests visiting Anaheim.” “These lessons have become some of the most important experiences of my life and have helped build the foundation for my future,” says Kim, who now works full-time at the restaurant. Inspired by his sister’s transformation, Jeo soon followed in her footsteps. “Seeing how much more mature and confident Kim had become by working at the restaurant inspired me to join the Hospitality Academy,” says Jeo. “I learn so much every day and continue to do so while also getting to work alongside my sister.” Jeo says the program has helped him grow “by leaps and bounds.” In addition to developing his professional skills, he has been building strong friendships with coworkers who share his enthusiasm and support one another both on and off the job. “We’re always there for each other — whether it’s giving someone a ride to work or simply being a good friend,” he says. Currently a sophomore, Jeo plans to remain in the Hospitality Academy throughout high school. “A lot of our school friends are becoming interested in the Hospitality Academy because of what they’ve seen happen with us,” adds Jeo. “We’re encouraging them to meet Chef Bruno and his team because this program has truly changed my life for the better.” Today, Kim and Jeo both contribute financially to the household, helping their family regain stability and optimism for the future — something their mother, Juana, says she is proud of her children and deeply grateful for the opportunities they've had. Founded in 2005 and named after Serato’s beloved mother, Caterina’s Club has earned international recognition for its humanitarian work. Serato has been featured in People Magazine, Los Angeles Times, CBS Evening News, NBC Nightly News, Entertainment Tonight, EXTRA, and Access Hollywood. Among his honors are CNN Hero, knighthoods from the Italian government and the House of Savoy, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, a papal blessing from Pope Francis, and numerous other awards and proclamations—all accepted to raise awareness for Caterina’s Club. For more information on Caterina’s Club visit, www. caterinasclub.org . ****