by Steven Doyle photos by Robert Bostick
It has been a full year for Café Momentum. This week we shared with the joys of the young organization as it lifted up its accomplishments with the same beaming happiness that any proud mother or father might. This past Sunday there were big announcements, bigger surprises and shared joy for each who attended the full-circle dinner with Café Momentum’s first guest chef, Jeffrey Hobbs at his new restaurant, Sissy’s Southern Kitchen and Bar.
Some of the surprises included a fat check from Whole Foods after they earmarked a percentage of a single day’s profit from their Lakewood store. The check would total $4413.00, but was raised to an even $5000 by an exuberant guest. Café Momentum has many of generous guests like this couple as they get ever closer to their goal in raising enough funds to open a brick and mortar restaurant to support these boys in their hour of need.
The boys are from Dallas County Youth Village, and the Momentum program has made a direct impact on many of their lives by giving them incredible life skills… and hope. With these restaurant skills acquired though Momentum the boys are able to lift themselves up with pride and move on with their lives. Nearly 60 young men have already completed the Momentum program and are well on their way to lead normal and productive lives.
On hand were Janice Provost and Chad Houser, owners of Parigi who help start this program and have been the face and cheerleaders since the day they conceived the program. Both stood proud this day as they justly marinated in their accomplishments. It is obvious that this program isn’t just about improving recidivism rates or teaching boys how to sauté vegetables properly; this is about respect and dignity.
This was a day of celebration , and what better way to enjoy any party than with great food, wine and company. Chef Hobbs and his temporary staff of eight young men served up plenty of their own brand of Southern hospitality.
JT Lemley’s Tomatoes with Field Greens, Paula’s Mozarella and a Creamy Dill-Basil Dressing
Family-style Oven Roasted Chicken, Rosemary Potatoes, Fried Okra, Creamed Corn, and Dallas Youth Village Squash
