On Tuesday, Mayor Rogero toured KARM's new facility for social enterprise catering, "The Abundant Life Kitchen" at 3336 Sevier Ave.

Abundant Life Kitchen Catering Service, LLC is a for-profit initiative of Lazarus Ventures, LLC.

Lazarus Ventures, LLC, was created as the for-profit social enterprise arm of Knox Area Rescue Ministries that empowers men, women and families to create new opportunity and achieve self-sufficiency, while generating revenue for the important work of KARM. Our newest business-for-profit initiative, Abundant Life Kitchen, provides a nurturing, community setting and provides the framework for enduring student success through life skills, job training and employment in the food service industry.

Abundant Life Kitchen Culinary Arts Jobs Training is a program and service of Knox Area Rescue Ministries. Adult students commit to 16 weeks of hard work and training, much of which occurs within the context of ALK's business operations at one of our three locations. Students are not paid while they are in the program, but their esssential needs are met by KARM.

Abundant Life Ktichen produces up to 2,000 meals every day, the majority of which are prepared and served at KARM's overnight emergency shelter on the main campus in downtown Knoxville.

Graduates of the Culinary Jobs Training Program who meet the rigorous employment criteria necessary, provide the labor force for our Catering and Contract Foodservice Division, which is housed in our new facility located in South Knoxville. All profits earned through the catering venture flow back into KARM to support the important programs and services offered to the homeless and at-risk residents of Knoxville.

Click here for more information about the Abundant Life Kitchen. For more information about the Knox Area Rescue Ministries please visit www.karm.org.