Q&A
What is the La La Land Foundation?
The LaLa Land Foundation is the nonprofit extension of LaLa Land Kind Cafe, dedicated to enriching communities through kindness, service, and opportunity. We focus on creating programs that support foster youth and strengthen the communities where we live and work.
Why do we focus on Fostered Youth aging out of the system specifically?
The La La Workforce Development program is intentionally designed to serve foster youth because they often face unique barriers to employment, stability, and long-term success. Many transition into adulthood without the safety net of consistent family support, making access to mentorship, skill-building, and career opportunities even more critical. By focusing on foster youth, we aim to bridge the gap, empower them with tools for independence, and create pathways toward sustainable careers and brighter futures.
How does the Foundation connect to LaLa Land Kind Cafe?
While LaLa Land Kind Cafe spreads kindness through hospitality, the Foundation extends that mission beyond the café — through programs, scholarships, and mentorships that directly support youth and community needs.
Why does our mission to normalize kindness align so well with the Foundation and its purpose?
The LaLa Land Foundation was created to put our mission of normalizing kindness into action. While LaLa Land Kind Cafe spreads kindness through daily interactions and hospitality, the Foundation extends that mission into life-changing opportunities — through scholarships, internships, and mentorship. Both are built on the same belief: that kindness has the power to transform lives and communities. The Foundation is simply the deeper expression of that purpose, turning kindness into lasting impact.
Programs & Impact
What is the La La Workforce Development Program?
This 12-week internship program supports foster youth ages 17–25 as they transition into adulthood. It combines paid work experience, mentorship, professional and personal development lessons, and access to critical resources such as housing and mental health support.
Is it true that ALL La La Land Kind Cafe locations participate in the internship program ?
No! Not Every LaLa Land Kind Cafe location actively participates in our Workforce Development Internship Program.Our Internship Program gives foster youth mentorship, job training, and growth opportunities. To keep the experience magical and aligned with our values of kindness and service, not every café hosts interns each round. As we expand, more cafés will join — creating more chances for foster youth to learn, grow, and thrive.
Is it true that our baristas are all 100% fostered youth, or did they come originally from our La La Workforce Development Program?
No! Not every La La Land Kind Cafe team member that serves our location originated from our internship program, or have a history of being in the foster system. We proudly employ a diverse group of talent that comes from all walks of life, and we are proud to embrace all that want a career with La La Land.
Who is eligible for the program?
The program is open to youth ages 17-25 who are in foster care or are in the process of transitioning out of the foster care system. Must be a U.S. citizen.
What types of internships are available?
The La La Workforce Development Program offers the opportunity for youth to work at one of our selected cafes and train as baristas while they gain valuable work experience as well as personal development through the self-paced curriculum.
How long does the internship last?
The internship is for 12 weeks and is offered during the Spring and Fall. Applications for our Spring Cohort are available now!
What support will participants receive during the program?
In addition to the internship itself, participants will receive ongoing mentorship, access to career counseling, professional development, and life skills training to support both personal and professional growth throughout their transition.
Is there any financial compensation for the internship?
Yes, the internships through the La La Workforce Development Program is paid. The program aims to provide participants with not only valuable work experience but also the financial support necessary for a successful transition to adulthood.
What are the benefits for participants?
Program participants receive:
- A paid 12-week internship
- One-on-one mentorship
- Self-paced personal and professional development courses
- Job placement or career-aligned internships
- College and career planning support
- Resources for housing stability and mental health services
What is the LaLa Land Foundation Scholarship?
The scholarship helps current and former foster youth access higher education, vocational training, or certificate programs by removing barriers and providing tools for success.
Get Involved
How can I become a LaLa Mentor?
Mentors guide, empower, and inspire foster youth in the Workforce Development Program. If you have strong communication skills, empathy, and a commitment to making a difference, you can apply to become a mentor.
What qualifications are required for mentors?
Mentors should have compassion, strong communication skills, a positive attitude, and the ability to commit time for regular interaction. The time commitment is 1 year, with regular interactions both in person and virtually. A background check is also required when young people are 17 or under.
How much time is required to be a mentor?
Mentors agree to be with their mentee for 1-year post-internship. Mentors should typically commit to meeting with their mentees regularly—whether in person or virtually. The time commitment may vary, but generally, meeting once a month, depending on the needs of the mentee and the mentor’s availability.
How else can I support the Foundation?
You can:
- Donate directly to the Foundation or the Workforce Development Program
- Volunteer your time
- Share our mission and help us spread kindness
Donations & Support
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes, all donations to the LaLa Land Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Where do my donations go?
100% of donations support our core programs — Workforce Development, Scholarships, and community initiatives that directly support foster youth and local communities.
How we plan to grow the Foundation
Is the foundation doing everything you wanted to support the local communities they serve?
The Foundation envisions a future café operated entirely by fostered youth, —from team members to management. This will be a full-circle moment, bringing the true vision of La La Land to life: creating spaces where young people are empowered to lead, grow, and inspire through kindness. It’s important to note that this dream has not yet become a reality, but we are working towards this goal.