"When you look at what these kids have gone through, I think they are the most vulnerable. We're not even asking for a second chance. It's their first chance at life. I think anyone at 18 is pretty lost. Now, imagine having no parents, no family, no one to guide you. I think I would be in a very dark place," said Francois Reihani, the founder and CEO of La La Land.
According to data from the California Child Welfare Indicators Project in Care, there were 11,745 children in Foster Care in L.A. County in July 2025. La La Land's 12-week paid internship program can turn into a part-time or full-time job at one of their cafes.
"I feel accomplished. I feel blessed to even be given the opportunity," said Akia Berkley, who recently graduated from the foster youth program.
"I don't always want to stay just a barista. I want to be able to try to climb the corporate ladder, try to be more than who I am," said Ralph Saavedra, who recently graduated from the Foster Youth Program.
If you're not interested in becoming a barista, La La Land will help you find another job. Over 100 former foster youth have graduated from the program. Those in the program are also paired with mentors who guide them, not just on their professional journey, but their personal journey, as well.
"I think it is important for young people to have somebody in their life who is stable, somebody they can count on, somebody who is going to be there no matter what," said Carla Palmer, one of the mentors in the program.
"Each week, they learn something new in the store in terms of job duties, and then they have a youth director that helps them with their personal life -- housing, therapy, help with schooling. We found it to be a perfect dual combination, really getting the kids to a place where they can be happy and see some success in their life," said Reihani.
La La Land's social impact program has been so successful, companies like Walmart have adopted a similar model.
If you'd like more information on how to be a mentor to foster youth and learn about the program, you can visit lalalandfoundation.com.