WASHINGTON (Aging Untold) \u2014 Emma\u2019s Torch is a cafe and culinary school in Washington, D.C., that trains refugees, exiles and survivors of human trafficking. <\/p>\n
Students at the cafe learn food preparation skills under timed kitchen conditions as part of their training. <\/p>\n
On-the-job training <\/p>\n
Students work through timed exercises such as julienne cutting chicken, with instructors telling them to have dishes \u201cup by 10 minutes.\u201d <\/p>\n
Kerry Brodie founded the social justice nonprofit. The program lasts about 11 weeks and runs 40 hours a week. <\/p>\n
\u201cAnd that\u2019s where our students are learning things like self-advocacy, English classes, resume crafts, interview prep, all of those things that are outside the kitchen,\u201d Brodie said. <\/p>\n
Brodie said 500 students have graduated from the program and 90% have jobs. <\/p>\n
Rebuilding after loss <\/p>\n
Nico came to the U.S. to rebuild his life. <\/p>\n
He said he came to the United States with his two children and Emma\u2019s Torch welcomed him and gave him new purpose. <\/p>\n
\u201cI learn new skills to know how to cook the best dishes in the world,\u201d Nico said. <\/p>\n
Nico said the program represents a second chance. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou can begin a new life. You can believe in yourself,\u201d Nico said. <\/p>\n
Named for Emma Lazarus <\/p>\n
The organization is named after Emma Lazarus, who wrote the words inscribed at the base of the Statue of Liberty: \u201cGive me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.\u201d <\/p>\n
Brodie described Lazarus as one of the unsung heroes of Jewish history and said the organization is meant to be a testament to that sentiment. <\/p>\n
Copyright 2026 Gray Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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