Torch 180

Torch 180 is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Founded in 2015, our mission was to train individuals with disabilities in basic food safety, culinary, and employability skills to prepare them for employment in the food service industry. Despite initial plans to open our cafe and coffee shop in March 2020, the pandemic necessitated a pivot in strategy. Nevertheless, we successfully enrolled a limited number of students in our program that year. Since then, Torch 180's programming has continuously evolved to meet the needs of those we serve. Torch 180 operates a hands-on vocational training restaurant facility. We offer different levels and programming to individuals with disabilities or other disadvantages who have challenges securing and maintaining gainful employment. We are partnered with the Michigan Career & Technical Institute and the Livingston Educational Service Agency. Students from local schools, adults within our community, and referrals from a variety of partners participate in our programs. Currently we offer 3 levels of training and a Michigan recognized LEO registered apprenticeship in which students learn basic food safety, develop culinary and employability skills, complete servsafe courses & certifications, and work within the café and coffee bar to gain hands-on, real-life, inclusive work experience. The Torch 180 Cafe & Coffee Bar is open to the public serving dine-in, take-out, and catering customers and hosting event space for meetings and other gatherings.