GARCES FOUNDATION
The immigrant community in Philadelphia has always been near and dear to Chef Garces’ heart.
As a child of immigrants and a leader in an industry that is heavily comprised of immigrant workers—restaurants and hospitality—Chef Garces co-founded the Garces Foundation in 2011. Its mission is to provide services and education in relation to healthcare, language skills, and general wellbeing for one of Philadelphia’s most underserved populations.
Note: These metrics cover our impact in 2025
Think Local, Give Local
The Latin-American immigrant community faces considerable healthcare accessibility hurdles, which are exacerbated by limitations to necessary educational services that teach English proficiency.
Philadelphia’s Spanish-speaking immigrants struggle to overcome linguistic and cultural barriers, and often have trouble obtaining health insurance, and accessing healthcare.
The Garces Foundation provides these services to the immigrant community, through community health days, English language classes targeted toward the restaurant industry, and most recently, an increased focus on procuring and providing food supplies to the food-insecure.
Donate TodayThree Key Ingredients
The Garces Foundation aims to achieve its mission through these three distinct programs.
English for the Restaurant and Everyday Living (EREL)
English for the Restaurant and Everyday Living is designed to teach English to non-native speakers who work in the restaurant industry. Beyond helping people maximize successful communication in their workplaces, the 12-week program also helps students develop their career advancement skills, and utilize community resources, like healthcare programs, to improve their overall wellbeing.
Community Health Days
English for the Restaurant and Everyday Living is designed to teach English to non-native speakers who work in the restaurant industry. Beyond helping people maximize successful communication in their workplaces, the 12-week program also helps students develop their career advancement skills, and utilize community resources, like healthcare programs, to improve their overall wellbeing.
Workforce Training
English for the Restaurant and Everyday Living is designed to teach English to non-native speakers who work in the restaurant industry. Beyond helping people maximize successful communication in their workplaces, the 12-week program also helps students develop their career advancement skills, and utilize community resources, like healthcare programs, to improve their overall wellbeing.
Our Vision
Our vision is a city in which everyone, including recent immigrants, have the support they need to enjoy the highest possible quality of life and contribute meaningfully as members of the community.
Not everyone has the support and resources that they need to live healthy lives, fulfilling their potential as people, as Americans, and as Philadelphians. This truth stands out in particular relief when it comes to recent immigrants, who not only lack the support structures that so many later-generation Americans take for granted, but also face systematic cultural and economic barriers that undermine the equitable allocation of opportunities in our communities.
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