STREETS INTERNATIONAL opened its first STREETS restaurant café and regional training center at 17 LeLoi Street in historic Hoi An, Vietnam in June, 2009. Program sites are planned for other locations in Vietnam, as well as Laos and the Philippines. These sites form the foundation for sustainable, replicable growth around the world. The focus will always be the same; the success of the trainees.

The trainees in the internationally credentialed training program receive classroom and practical experience in culinary arts, hospitality service and management, as well as life skills and "hospitality English." The 18-month curriculum starts with orientation and basic skill training, then continues into the more complex areas of professional cooking and restaurant operations. At the same time, the trainee's experience transitions from observation in the restaurant's kitchen and dining room, to increasingly independent practice in the various job functions.

Most importantly, during the 18 months, each trainee is provided with housing, active community based support, and medical care. Designated "house parents," and all other STREETS staff are available and integrally involved as supportive and mentoring members of the overall STREETS community. The housing accommodations are based on a model of supervised, small semi-autonomous groups, further increasing the trainees' sense of community and responsibility.

Ultimately, the graduate's greatest achievement is the dignity and empowerment that comes with the self-reliance they've achieved. STREETS' objective is to ensure that they are adequately trained and well equipped to succeed in life and meet the demands of their new careers in hospitality.