Brooklyn, New York – Today, Emma’s Torch, the non-profit social enterprise that empowers refugees through culinary education and job readiness training, officially opened Emma’s Torch at BPL, a new café and concession program at Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Library, located at 10 Grand Army Plaza.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to expand our offerings and provide more opportunities for our students,” said Kerry Brodie, executive director of Emma’s Torch. “Our partnership with Brooklyn Public Library underscores our mission and exposes our students to such a welcoming community.”
Emma’s Torch is a non-profit that provides culinary training to refugees, asylees, and survivors of human trafficking, and positions them to begin meaningful careers in the food industry. The collaboration with the Library allows Emma’s Torch’s students to attend the Library’s free English, adult education, career classes, further supporting their educational development.
“Brooklyn Public Library is delighted to welcome Emma’s Torch to Central Library, and we look forward to a long and meaningful partnership,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library. “In addition to serving wholesome food, the organization empowers people with free education and career training, which squarely aligns with the Library’s mission. We, too, ensure Brooklynites have access to the resources they need to thrive.”
As part of their apprenticeship, students hone their skills during the day and operate the organization’s flagship restaurant (345 Smith Street, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn) for dinner service at night. The restaurant also offers brunch on the weekends.
The opening of Emma’s Torch at BPL enables the organization to extend the length of the training program from two to three months and expand the number of students trained in each cohort from four to six. As part of the café program, students acquire barista skills, customer service experience, and commissary production.
For the official ribbon cutting ceremony, Brodie and Johnson were joined by New York City Council Member Brad Lander.
“I’m thrilled that Emma’s Torch will be opening a new café and concession program at the Brooklyn Public Library,” said City Council Member Brad Lander. “This partnership is another way that our library system is empowering New York City communities. Emma’s Torch is a fantastic program that helps train refugees, asylees, and survivors of human trafficking in the culinary arts so they have a foundation to begin a meaningful career in the food industry. I look forward to enjoying many future concessions at their new café at the Brooklyn Public Library.”
To date, Emma’s Torch has trained more than 50 students since its launch in 2017, placing them in kitchens across New York City such as Union Square Hospitality Group, Buttermilk Channel, and Misi.
“Every day, Emma’s Torch reminds us of the powerful impact and necessity of supporting affected communities as agents of change,” said City Council Member Carlos Menchaca, Chair of the Committee on Immigration. “This is a truth that resonates within the work of Emma’s Torch, in empowering refugees through culinary education and job readiness, and I am beyond thrilled that they are expanding their timely work to Brooklyn’s Public Library at Grand Army Plaza. At a time when the Federal government is doing everything it can to dehumanize refugees and asylees, Emma’s Torch is a singular light showing us a better way forward.”
Emma’s Torch at BPL offers sustainably produced food for the Central Library’s 1 million annual visitors.
About Emma’s Torch
Emma's Torch is a non-profit restaurant that provides culinary training to refugees and survivors of human trafficking.
About Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is an independent library system for the 2.5 million residents of Brooklyn. It is the fifth largest library system in the United States with 60 neighborhood libraries located throughout the borough. BPL offers free programs and services for all ages and stages of life, including a large selection of books in more than 30 languages, author talks, literacy programs and public computers. BPL’s eResources, such as eBooks and eVideos, catalog information and free homework help, are available to customers of all ages 24 hours a day at our website.