Success Story: Partner Highlight – Los Angeles LGBT Center

Meals on Fabulous Wheels with the Los Angeles LGBT Center

Location: Southern California | Los Angels County | Los Angeles 

Business Type: Employment Social Enterprise   

Program Highlight: CA RISE  

Small Business Center: REDF and Lendistry  

Assistance Received: Capital Investment $150k, Business Advising, Capacity Building 

Visit Los Angeles LGBT Center online 

Nick Panepinto, Director of Culinary Training and Operations, at the Los Angeles LGBT Center oversees their state-of-the-art Culinary Training Program. This 300-hour vocational culinary program enrolls up to 80 students annually from the center’s Senior or Youth Services departments. The culinary program offers students knife skills, food safety training, cooking techniques, and industry experience.  

During the program, students use these skills to prepare up to 500 healthy meals per day to youth and seniors who often struggle with food insecurity, homelessness, or both. Students receive wraparound services and assistance in launching their culinary careers after the program completion. Thus, adding their desirable skillset to the restaurant and hospitality workforce in Los Angeles.    

The California Regional Initiative for Social Enterprise (CA RISE) is a first of its kind $25 million investment in Employment Social Entreprises (ESE). The program was created in 2021 by Senate Bill No. 193 (Government Code Section 11788) to accelerate economic mobility and inclusion for individuals that experience employment barriers. The CA Rise program provides capital and customized technical assistance to invest in ESEs and build capacity to help accelerate economic inclusion and economic mobility across California. 

The Los Angeles LGBT Center was one of over 60 ESEs Statewide to be awarded under our California Office of the Small Business Advocate CA RISE program.  

[March 28, 2025]