Common Grounds Training Program

Watch this short film to see the impact Common Grounds had on the life of Virgil Pearson, who graduated from the program in fall 2021 and immediately obtained employment.

➡ Interested in enrolling? Contact us!

➡ Interested in hiring a graduate? Contact us!

The Vision: Common Grounds
Manna on Main Street is committed to ending hunger and the joblessness that fuels this instability. Manna’s Common Grounds Training Program is a free, eight-week training program that utilizes the national, evidence-based Catalyst Kitchens model. Trainees engage in experiential learning, contributing to food production in Manna’s mission-driven kitchen and service of Manna’s Common Grounds Café , gaining additional job-ready experience. Instruction in food service and employment competencies furthers skill development, with social services provided based on trainees’ needs. All trainees graduate with the goal of securing food service employment and a successful, sustainable career.

Trainees represent individuals living in economic instability who have made the commitment to invest in themselves and their future. Be part of this transformational change!

Through the Common Grounds Training Program, Manna can help transform lives and create lasting change through what we know best: food.

Trainees: This program operates on-site, Monday through Thursday from 8:30am-4:00pm. Join the team! Please click here to complete the online application.

Employers: Hire our highly-motivated, skilled and certified graduates to be successful in your business. Please contact Sue Jurina, the Common Grounds Career Services Manager: sjurina@mannaonmain.org or 215.855.5454.

Volunteers: Serve alongside trainees in Manna’s Kitchen. Learn more about volunteering at Manna!

Givers: Donate to Manna, and support this training program as well as Manna’s emergency food and social services programs.

Manna on Main Street is an equal opportunity provider.