The HOPE Project: A Note From Our Founder

Imagine if every restaurant in America hired one person with a disability? Read below to hear how our founder, Keith Richards, co-founded a program with the heart to accomplish just that. 

Written by our founder, Keith Richards:

Over 10 years ago, The HOPE Project was founded with a purpose to provide students who have disabilities, with meaningful work. The HOPE Project came about from a partnership between Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe in Birmingham, AL and the Shelby County school system. Cindy Vinson, a special needs job coach, was on the hunt for business partners that would give her students a job during their senior year of high school. Cindy presented me with this opportunity to create a partnership that would allow students to have a job opportunity after graduation and add relevant experience to their learning curriculum. After the first partnership kicked off, we realized that there was a need for similar programs across the country and I knew that Taziki’s could be a great partner to comparable organizations nationally. 

Taziki’s passion for The HOPE Project has grown because of the multiple opportunities it offers to students with disabilities. The HOPE Project helps with job placement but also sets an example for how we can help other restaurants partner with schools to create HOPE Gardens and employ individuals with special needs. We’re proud to offer this diversity in most of the Taziki’s locations we have and challenge other restaurants to achieve the same.

The HOPE Garden is a way for schools to create curriculum centered around growing herbs that they can turn around and sell to local restaurants looking to purchase local produce. This allows the students to use math, agriculture, and science skills while providing an income for their programs. 

 If you are interested in getting involved or learning more about The HOPE Project, we would love to hear from you. Check out our website wegrowhope.com to get connected!