Situated in Santa Monica, California, Crimson Mediterranean Cookhouse and Society Kitchen restaurants provide dining experiences centered around vibrant cuisine and a warm atmosphere. But for a growing number of Salvation Army Santa Monica Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) graduates, the eateries serve an additional purpose.

“This was the first step to the rest of my life,” said Samuel Valentine, Assistant Manager of Crimson Mediterranean Cookhouse.

Valentine graduated from the Santa Monica Adult Rehabilitation Center in 2016. He said the ARC gave him tools to succeed and maintain sobriety and this job helped him re-enter as a functioning member of society.

Over the last eight years, the restaurants have served as a next step for about 15 men coming from the program.

The owners of the restaurants said that hiring men from the program has proven to be a favorable choice because of their established work ethic and desire to flourish in a new routine.

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