Dakota Cook, 21, dropped out of school in the ninth grade and is striving to earn his spot in the job market, but has hit many walls because of his lack of qualifications.
Fortunately for Cook, he is a perfect candidate for work at My Gluten Free Bread Company in downtown Hendersonville, where homeless and at-risk youth can find employment through a selection of programs.
Cook is part of a six-month program that provides a culinary apprenticeship, wages and a path to earning a high school diploma.
Founder Venerable Pannavati, who started a youth development and advocacy organization three years ago called MyPlace Inc., opened the bakery March 10 at 147 First Avenue East.
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