At Hope Services, we believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive and find meaningful employment. We’re excited to share some great news from our Employment, Media, and Community Connections (EMCC) program that highlights the power of collaboration in creating employment opportunities for our participants.

A Partnership That Serves Hope’s Mission

Five members of our EMCC program recently landed a six-month paid internship at Tony and Alba’s Pizza & Pasta Restaurant on Stevens Creek Blvd in San Jose. This opportunity has been made possible through the Paid Internship Program (PIP), with special funding from the San Andreas Regional Center.

What makes this partnership even more special is the connection between EMCC participant Robert Zeppa and his mother, Diane Zeppa, who have known restaurant owners Tony and Alba for many years. Their story shows us just how valuable community ties can be in helping individuals achieve their employment goals.

The Internship Experience

During their internship, these EMCC participants are taking on the role of restaurant runners. Their responsibilities include assisting with the morning setup of the front of the restaurant. This involves tasks such as filling napkin dispensers, sanitizing tables and chairs, assembling pizza boxes, rolling silverware, delivering food to tables, and reading food tickets.

But it’s not just about the tasks at hand; it’s also about the invaluable experience they gain while working in the Food and Beverage industry. This internship provides an excellent opportunity for our participants to develop crucial social skills as they interact with the community and their fellow co-workers.

A Dual Purpose

While the primary goal of this internship is to gain work experience, it goes a step further. The ultimate aim is for the interns to secure permanent employment at Tony and Alba’s Pizza & Pasta Restaurant once the internship concludes. However, even if that doesn’t transpire, Hope Services remains committed to supporting their employment goals and aiding in their job search process.

We are immensely proud of our participants for seizing this opportunity, and we look forward to witnessing their growth and achievements throughout this internship. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Robert Zeppa and his mother, Diane Zeppa, for playing a pivotal role in making this partnership possible.

This success story reaffirms our belief that with determination, collaboration, and community support, we can create pathways to employment that truly transform lives.