Welcome to Kneaded: Empowering Youth Through Culinary Arts and Community
Kneaded is the social enterprise of Rebekah’s Culinary Academy, a program owned and operated by Rebekah Children’s Services, a non-profit mental health agency dedicated to supporting children and families in Gilroy, California. The name Kneaded is a play on words, reflecting both our passion for baking and our deeper mission to serve youth and young adults in need.
Our Mission
At Kneaded, we believe in the power of food to bring people together and foster a sense of community. Our programs offer youth and young adults who have completed a 10-week culinary academy course the opportunity to advance to apprenticeship positions. As apprentices, they gain hands-on experience in bakery and food production, catering, and customer service, all within a supportive, community-driven environment.
All proceeds from Kneaded sales are reinvested into our program, funding further opportunities for young people in our community. By supporting us, you help create a space where youth can learn, grow, and build meaningful connections through food.
Creating Community Through Food
Food has a unique ability to unite people, break down barriers, and foster connection. At Kneaded, we use culinary arts not only as a means of education but also as a way to build a stronger, more connected community. Whether through baking fresh goods, catering events, or serving customers, every meal prepared is an opportunity to cultivate relationships, foster belonging, and empower youth and young adults to contribute to something greater than themselves.
How We Help
All proceeds from Kneaded sales directly support our program, providing vital resources to continue assisting youth and young adults. Your purchase does more than offer a delicious treat or meal—it funds job training, mentorship, and essential life skills development for young people ready to take the next step in their lives.
The Kneaded Culinary Academy
The Kneaded Culinary Academy, founded in 2009 by Rebekah Children's Services, is a no-cost vocational training program designed to empower youth and young adults in Santa Clara County. This program offers an invaluable opportunity for vulnerable and at-risk youth to learn culinary arts skills, while also earning high school credits and developing essential employability skills.
The program provides students with a hands-on learning experience in the kitchen, where they are not only taught the craft of cooking but also gain real-world experience through paid internships and job placement support in the food service and hospitality industries. The academy is tailored to support each student individually, helping them set and achieve their goals, whether that's continuing their education or securing meaningful employment.
For more information, visit The Kneaded Culinary Academy.
