Damien Center Celebrates a First-Ever Graduation

Bill Karnes is a long-term HIV survivor who has been a Damien Center client for decades. “I know I would be homeless by now if it wasn’t for Damien Center,” Karnes says. But instead, Karnes is a proud graduate of Damien's new Hospitality Training Program, and he's interviewing for long-term positions.

Karnes was part of Damien’s first 10-week hospitality cohort, which graduated in June. For many participants who walked across the stage, the ceremony marked a first-ever graduation.

“This transformative program is about more than just job training—it’s about opening doors to lasting success and independence,” said Indiana State Senator Andrea Hunley. “The educational investment that the Cafe Oztara Employment Skills Development Program is making in Indianapolis will not only lead to a brighter future of personal growth and financial independence for the individual trainees, but a brighter future for our entire community."

In addition, the program is geared toward Damien’s clients and their unique challenges. Clients benefit from a safe space where they can feel at home and be themselves, knowing they are supported, respected, and capable of great things. Program leader and case manager Aundrea Lacy says, “we know that our clients often face difficulties in the workforce because we’re not seen as who we are,” she says. “Some of us left school or were put out on the streets as kids, and we’re just trying to get our lives back. This program is a helping hand for anyone seeking to enter or reenter the workforce.”

For 20 hours each week, program participants split their time between classroom instruction and on-the-job training as baristas in Café Oztara. They are paid for all their time in the program, whether they are in the classroom or working.

Classroom curriculum covers customer service, workplace communications, resume-building and other job search skills, and life skills like ongoing financial management. Content focuses on relevant and up-to-date skills that are appealing to local employers. Each module is heavily participatory and geared toward the interests of the individuals enrolled.

Clients enrolled gain a wide range of benefits, including:

• Real-world experience in a working cafe environment at Cafe Oztara
• Opportunities that open doors to new career or educational pathways
• Wrap-around support to facilitate attendance (including transportation, meals, and technology)
• Safe and non-judgmental space for learning, with trauma-informed practices geared toward Damien clients
• A dedicated case manager who will continue to assist them after graduating until they achieve sustainable employment
• Skills that apply to jobs in restaurants, catering, hotels, and more
• Confidence to move forward in the workforce

This is just one of Damien Center's employment offerings. Clients can also use the new computer lab in Damien's mosaic building for job searching and applications or join group workshops teaching computer skills. And they can work with dedicated case managers to get personalized advice, referrals, and resources to pay for professional attire. This suite of programs is a helping hand for anyone wanting to transition to long-term employment and self-sustainability.