Following a $350,000 grant, the Bay Area nonprofit is fueling local impact through mentorship, trauma-informed coaching, and a second chance for at-risk youth.
At Chick-fil-A®, serving others is at the heart of who we are and everything we do. After revealing the 2026 True Inspiration Awards® recipients last week, we are looking back at our 2025 S. Truett Cathy Honoree – Old Skool Cafe – to see what local impact looks like in action.
One year ago, Old Skool Cafe received a $350,000 grant to support its mission of providing job training and employment for youth aged 16 to 22 who are overcoming significant challenges, including former incarceration and foster care. Today, that investment has evolved from a check into a local engine of transformation.
A Partnership for the Future
The success of Old Skool Cafe is bolstered by the support of Susanna Choe, local Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Serramonte. Susanna and Old Skool Cafe founder Teresa Goines share a passion for empowering youth, leading to a character development program that teaches servant leadership and teamwork.
“Old Skool Cafe’s hands-on violence prevention and mentorship program is transforming lives every day,” said Susanna. “This grant helps ensure they can continue to transform the lives of underserved young people in the Bay Area for years to come.”
Local Impact in Action
Since receiving the grant, Old Skool Cafe has utilized the funds to expand staff training in trauma-informed coaching and enhance youth job readiness programs in the Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood.
“Being selected as the 2025 S. Truett Cathy Honoree provided a huge push into the new year,” said Teresa. “The grant gave us a beat to breathe. It allowed us to leverage notoriety to bring in new donors and diners, exponentially helping us in all aspects of this work.”
A Legacy of Care
This story is a tangible example of Chick-fil-A’s commitment to being a good neighbor. Since 2012, Chick-fil-A has invested more than $50 million toward supporting disadvantaged communities. By supporting local leaders like Teresa Goines and partnering them with local Owner-Operators like Susanna Choe, Chick-fil-A aims to have a positive impact beyond profit.
