Program areas at In The Weeds
Between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024, In the Weeds (ITW) undertook a series of impactful activities and achieved notable milestones across its programs, successfully serving a total of 345 individuals. The core program activities encompassed:Peer-led Support Groups: ITW facilitated safe and confidential support groups, providing a nurturing environment for restaurant industry professionals to openly discuss and seek assistance for common challenges like addiction, depression, and anxiety. These groups, led by licensed professionals or trained facilitators, offered valuable support to participants in need.Alternative Activities: In collaboration with local businesses, ITW organized various healthy and relationship-building activities. Participants had opportunities to engage in activities like yoga, snowshoeing, rafting, social gatherings, and paddleboarding. These endeavors not only promoted wellness but also fostered a sense of belonging within the community.Individual Support: ITW extended individualized support to those with specific needs, aiding them in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. These tailored services included connecting individuals to housing and financial assistance resources, job placement counseling, and personal action planning to achieve their individual goals.Professional Life Skills Trainings: On a request basis, ITW offered life skills training to program participants, covering a range of topics such as financial literacy, professional skill development, and effective communication strategies.Public Awareness: ITW continued its efforts to raise public awareness about the daily challenges faced by staff, operators, and owners in the hospitality industry. This was achieved through various media channels, social media platforms, printed materials, and collaboration with other nonprofits, restaurants, and stakeholders. The aim was to create a more informed and empathetic community, regardless of geographic location.Over this period, ITW demonstrated significant impact, expanding its reach to support an even larger number of individuals compared to the previous year, marking a remarkable journey of dedication and service in the hospitality industry.