Emma's Torch

Creating the Emma's Torch annual report is more than just compiling data; it's about storytelling. Our report not only highlights the past year's achievements but also paints a vision for the future. Here's how we decide what stories to tell: ✅ The Organization's Story: Describing our work clearly and succinctly is crucial, especially given our complex operations as a non-profit running multiple social ventures. ✅ Year in Review: We reflect on major changes, successes, and challenges. What were the key focuses of our team? These themes shape our report's narrative. ✅ Impact Showcasing: We always highlight the diverse origins and destinations of our students. Their journeys are central to our story. ✅ Looking Ahead: Each year, we outline our plans and vision for growth, ensuring our supporters know what’s on the horizon. Our annual report is a key piece of our storytelling strategy, designed to inspire and engage our community. Join the conversation: How do you approach storytelling in your annual reports? Share your tips below!

Earlier this month, we were thrilled to welcome back 16 of our graduates for an Alumni Day in Washington, D.C.! It was a day filled with professional development and networking, featuring a cooking class and sessions on 'Advocating for Yourself at Work' and 'How to be an Ambassador of Emma’s Torch.' The successful turnout and enthusiastic participation of our alumni from various cohorts reinforce the strength and importance of our network in driving continuous professional and personal growth! #CulinaryTraining #ProfessionalDevelopment

Reflecting on this insightful article from 2023 by The Urban Activist about Emma's Torch Café. Nearly a year later, our café continues to light hope for refugees through impactful culinary training! Grateful for the continued support and recognition of our mission! Read it here: https://vist.ly/3e8c5

🔪 At Emma's Torch, knife skills training sets us apart from traditional culinary schools. Instead of practicing on vegetables that end up in the trash, our students refine their techniques on the very dishes we serve, ensuring zero waste. ㅤ This sustainable practice not only minimizes food waste but also maximizes the educational value of each session, reinforcing our commitment to both culinary excellence and environmental responsibility. ㅤ By integrating practical skills into real-world applications, we empower our students and safeguard our planet—one precise cut at a time. 🌎 #CulinaryEducation #Sustainability #ProfessionalDevelopment

We are thrilled to welcome our new Junior Board at Emma’s Torch! This group of passionate young professionals is dedicated to supporting our mission of empowering refugees through culinary training and meaningful employment. Introducing our Junior Board members: Arianna Fishman, Haneiro Perez, Emily Burniston, Angela Maliakal, Patrick Lim, Erin Palisin, Heather Evans, Maryam Khalid, DrPH, MPH, Simran Mirchandani, Rebecca Gladstone, Sarah Rudolph, and Tara Shirazi. We look forward to the innovative ideas and enthusiastic support they will bring to our organization. Together, we will continue to make a significant impact in our community! #Empowerment #JuniorBoard #CulinaryTraining #ProfessionalDevelopment

A big thank you to Brooklyn Eagle for this wonderful article! Emma's Torch has been lighting the path for refugees, turning dreams into reality through culinary training. Our graduates are now thriving in the restaurant industry, making an incredible impact. Thank you for telling our story back in April! 💚 #EmmasTorch #CulinaryDreams #RefugeesWelcome

It's summer. Who's thinking about next year's annual report? 🙋 Our annual report is a vital fundraising piece for the future of Emma's Torch as well as celebration of our successes. We aim to have it completed in March so that we can effectively tell our story to our community as soon as possible. How do we do it? ▶️ Metrics Tracking: We invested heavily in our data infrastructure so that we could get real-time insights on our progress. As a by-product, this investment makes it easy to pull up key impact and success metrics at the end of the year. ▶️ Capturing Impact Stories: We have internal systems for gathering photos, quotes from students, and testimonials from partners. This makes assembling the annual report seamless. ▶️ Early Start: We begin writing and structuring the report in early December, focusing on the year's narrative and our vision for the next. ▶️ Finalizing Financials: Financial data gets finalized in January and integrated into the report, which is already near completion by then. ▶️ Design and Distribution: We move into the design phase and aim to get the report into your hands ASAP. We'd love to hear how your organization approaches annual reporting. Share your tips below! #NonprofitLeadership #AnnualReport #Fundraising

At Emma's Torch, our mission extends beyond the dining room. Behind the scenes, our dedicated team works tirelessly to provide refugees with comprehensive culinary training, language support, and job placement services. From crafting detailed lesson plans to coordinating with local restaurants for employment opportunities, our staff ensures that every student is set up for success. We are grateful for the passion and hard work of our team members who make our mission possible!

Our students recently participated in mock interviews with the Union Square Hospitality Group internship program. These sessions provided invaluable real-world experience and feedback, preparing them for successful careers in the culinary industry. A big thank you to the USHG team for their time and support in empowering our students!

Max, one of our dedicated students, was on a kitchen trail at Daily Provisions , mentored by Evelyn, an Emma's Torch alum. Our program not only empowers students but also fosters a supportive community! We look forward to building more partnerships with employers to provide opportunities for our students. #Culinary #Education #SuccessStories