HIRE-Ability is a vocational training program providing certification courses in the restaurant, hospitality or food service industries. The program is designed to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and help them find meaningful employment and lead productive, successful lives. Our goal is to place the trainees in jobs, in collaboration with our community partners, to ensure success.
The Square Bowl is the food truck to implement the HIRE-Ability program. This mobile kitchen provides a hands-on platform for providing real-world experience and opportunities for our participants with their certifications* to shine.
CLASSES:
Tuesday - Thursday from 3:00 - 4:30pm each week**
Spring Cohort begins March 2, 2026 and runs through July 24, 2026
| Certification 1: Intro to HIRE-Ability & Communication Skills (Customer Service, Teamwork and Adaptability) This class introduces individuals with disabilities to career opportunities in the culinary field, focusing on foundational skills and job readiness. Participants will gain practical experience and learn strategies for success in a culinary environment. |
March 2 - March 27, 2026 |
| Certification 2: Cleaning, Sanitation & Kitchen Safety This certification provides essential training in proper cleaning procedures, sanitation standards and kitchen safety practices. Participants learn how to maintain a hygienic food environment, prevent cross-contamination, handle cleaning chemicals safely and follow industry-standard safety protocols to ensure a safe and sanitary kitchen workspace. |
March 30 - April 24, 2026 |
| Certification 3: Menu & Recipe Development Participants in this class will learn how to design menus and develop recipes with a focus on creativity and practicality. The course is tailored to individuals with disabilities, offering hands-on experience and personalized guidance. |
April 27 - May 22, 2026 |
| Certification 4: Job Readiness, Resume Writing and Interview Resources This course aims to improve social interactions, teamwork, and adaptability in diverse environments. It provides practical exercises and strategies to help individuals with disabilities thrive in collaborative and dynamic situations. |
May 25 - June 19, 2026 |
| Certification 5: ServSafe Food Handler Exam Session This certification course covers essential food safety practices and regulations, tailored for individuals with disabilities. It prepares participants to handle food safely and effectively in various culinary and food service environments. |
June 22 - July 17, 2026 |
| Certification 6: The Square Bowl Training This course involves training on the Square Bowl Food Truck. |
July 20 - July 24, 2026 |
Pricing:
Option 1: $360 Bundle for all 6 classes when paid in full. Classes may be paid in full or split into 2 payments.
Option 2: Payment plan - 4 payments $100/10th of each Month (September, October, November, December)
There is no charge for Giborim Adult Program (G.A.P.) participants
*Completion of the certification classes does NOT guarantee work on The Square Bowl Food Truck, or at any other employment.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:
● HIRE-Ability is for adults 18+ with developmental disabilities
● Should be able to engage independently and behaviorally in an adult to staff ratio of 4:1.
● Must be independent with self-care restroom needs
● Must complete HIRE-Ability Intake application with supporting documents
● Tour & interview with HIRE-Ability Coordinator
● Signed handbook with rules and agreements for program
To learn more about the program, contact Marilyn Adams at madams@dpjcc.org or 954-434-0499, ext. 1120
100% of this program was funded by a $1.5 million grant from the United States of America Department of Labor.
David Posnack Jewish Community Center
On the Nina & Louis Silverman Campus
5850 South Pine Island Road
Davie, Florida 33328
Phone: (954) 434-0499
Fax: (954) 434-1741
The David Posnack Jewish Community Center is recognized as exempt from federal income
taxation under section 501c3 of the IRS and eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Federal ID: 59-2075982. The David Posnack Jewish Community Center is registered with the
Florida Division of Consumer Services as required by the Solicitation of Contributions Act
(CH#2451). A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained
from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free in Florida: (800) 435-7352.
Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the State.
A beneficiary agency of
