Staying Connected: Alumni Service
At Reconcile, graduation is not the end of the journey. It is the beginning of a new chapter. Through Alumni Services, graduates continue receiving support during their first 12 months as they navigate their chosen career pathway, education goals, and new responsibilities in adulthood.
This continued connection helps young people stay grounded as they transition into new environments and routines. Alumni receive ongoing career coaching, support navigating personal challenges, and access to resources that help them remain stable and focused on what comes next. This can include childcare support, benefits navigation, and connections to community resources that strengthen long-term stability. Just as important, Alumni remain part of a community that continues to invest in their growth.
This work is rooted in the ideas of belonging, meaning, well-being, and purpose, helping young people feel connected, supported, and confident as they move forward. Reconcile’s Alumni Services model creates space for graduates to reflect on their experiences, strengthen relationships, and continue exploring the goals that matter most to them.
A key part of this work is the Alumni Advisory Council, a group of graduates who help shape the Alumni experience while creating peer support and leadership opportunities for fellow Alumni. The Council creates space for continued learning, mentorship, and connection as graduates navigate the workforce together. Members also provide feedback on both the Intern and Alumni training experience, helping Reconcile strengthen and improve the program model to better support young people over time.
That leadership was recently on display when Alumni Advisory Council Chair Keenan Jordan returned to Reconcile as the featured chef for a monthly culinary demonstration. During the event, Keenan shared his journey from Café Reconcile into the workforce and reflected on what it was like starting out in the back of house at Compère Lapin. He spoke honestly about being new, learning from others, and growing into greater responsibilities over time.
Alumni Mentorship:
Keenan Jordan, Reconcile Alum, returned to join Chef Simone Burrell, Occupational Training Specialist, to host our monthly Culinary Demo for training Interns.
Keenan’s story reflects the purpose of the Alumni Advisory Council itself. Alumni are not only building careers and continuing their own growth, but they are also returning to encourage the next generation of young people beginning their journey. By sharing experiences, offering guidance, and staying connected to the community, Alumni help create a culture of belonging and possibility that stretches far beyond graduation.
At Reconcile, workforce development is about more than placement. It is about helping young people build lives filled with opportunity, connection, and purpose long after training is complete.
