Last month, Urban Possibilities welcomed us to “Unstoppable,” a graduation ceremony for their 13 program participants. Produced in partnership with Chrysalis, the Urban Possibilities Writing Empowerment Program gives Chrysalis clients the opportunity to build confidence and find their voice.
“You have to throw the whole notion of a background check away: I know you’ve been homeless. You may have gone to prison. That’s all right with me,” says the ‘Top Chef’ star of his staffing approach, in partnership with L.A. organization Chrysalis, at his restaurants Maude and Gwen.
Jonathan grew up with little supervision in a rough neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley. Early on, he established himself as a troublemaker, often following the example of the older neighborhood boys. His first trip to Juvenile Hall at 14 years old marked the beginning of 20 years of intermittent jail and prison sentences.