WHO WE ARE
Black Owned Project 365 is a 501(c)3 organization, committed to addressing racial and wealth disparities in the Bay Area. We work across sectors to empower people of color to reclaim their narrative, and bridge access to economic opportunities so ultimately, they can reinvest in their own communities.
The last three years – thanks to the COVID pandemic – have brought to the surface systemic inequities that communities of color have had to grapple with for generations. Today, the average lifespan of a dollar within Black communities is six hours, which is far shorter when compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Such disparities are even more pronounced when we look at pay inequities, wherein Black women make $0.61 for every $1 their white male counterpart makes.
BOP-365 is committed to dismantling these systemic barriers to build a more equitable and inclusive future. We hope you’ll join us.
WHAT WE DO
OUR VISION
We envision a more equitable and inclusive future where Black and brown communities have access to economic opportunity.
OUR MISSION
We provide Black and brown communities access to tools and resources to succeed and reinvest in their own communities.
OUR APPROACH
Equity is at the center of everything we do. We believe that the communities closest to the issues are closest to the solutions. We work in partnership with local organizations to ensure the needs of the populations we serve are met.
OUR WORK
Our Lifeline Culinary On The Job Training (LCOJT) program is a state-certified apprenticeship program designed to create pathways for formerly incarcerated individuals to secure permanent jobs and earn liveable wages.
THE ISSUES
California is releasing 76,000 inmates who demonstrate good behavior, as part of the state’s efforts to reduce the prison population.
In California, 50% of those released from prison return within three years according to a 2019 report by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
A 2016 study by the National Institutes of Health shows stable employment and jobs with supportive factors reduce recidivism.
A 2022 report by the California Department of Employment Deployment shows that while the unemployment rate in the Berkeley-Oakland-Hayward area is down to 4.5 percent, the culinary and hospitality industry is still struggling to hire.
OUR PROGRAM
In partnership with La Familia, we launched the Lifeline Culinary On The Job Training (LCOJT) Program, a free and state-certified apprenticeship program that provides hands-on skills training to help formerly justice-involved individuals re-enter the workforce with the goal of securing permanent jobs and earning livable wages towards the end of the program, and ultimately, help them build self-sufficiency.
OUR APPROACH
There is no one-size-fits-all strategy. We utilize an individualized approach to equitably addresses the needs of every single participant through our intensive case management. At BOP365, we believe that the communities closest the issues are also closest to the solution. That’s why we work in close partnership with community based organizations, and service providers to provide trauma-informed wrap around services to supplement our program offerings, and ultimately, help our participants become self-sufficient and productive members of our society.
SKILLS WE OFFER
TECHNICAL
Basic cooking techniques, safety and sanitation,
use of equipment and teamwork
COGNITIVE
Problem-solving, critical thinking, literacy, math/algebra
FOUNDATIONAL
Professionalism and strong work ethics, self-management,
character and leadership development
ADULT
CAPABILITIES
Time management (balancing work, family, and relationships),
self-control, focus, and awareness
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Understanding of the culinary and hospitality industry from a business perspective, entry level management skills, marketing, branding, and financing.
LCOJT WRAP-AROUND SERVICES
These services include, but are not limited to:
Our work is made by possible by
our generous partners.
