As a way to keep kids off the street, CEO and co-founder of California restaurant, chain Tender Greens, started the charitable program, Sustainable Life Project, targeting young adults coming out of the foster care program.

According to CNN, the three-month program, founded last year by Erik Oberholtzer, targets young people 18 to 24, who are "transitioning out of the foster care program," with a greater chance of becoming homeless or end up in prison.

Oberholtzer told CNN reporter, Jennifer Alsever, that within the program, young adults participant in activities such as visiting urban farmers and food-processing facilities, as a way for them to get a better understanding about the "source of the food they eat." Those in the program participant in training programs, taught by chefs.

Some can apply for paid internship within the company's 12 restaurants. After completion of the program, those who do well are offered a full-time position with the company.

"These kids just want a break," Oberholtzer told Alsever. "As long as they show up and work hard, the restaurant is a family for them."  

CNN reported participant Josh Saurbier, who reportedly spent years being sleeping under highway overpasses in Los Angeles, said he learned about the program through Coventry House, a nonprofit program helping homeless teens.

A then 20-year-old, Saurbier was taking care of his wheelchair-bound mother. He's now one of 15 youths who have graduated from the Sustainable Life Project. He's also one of 10 who was offered a restaurant jobs,

"I had seen so much pain in my life," Saurbier told Alsever. "This is more than a job. It opened my eyes to see opportunity."

According to CNN, the company grew from  $7.3 million and 115 employees in 2009 to $28 million in revenues and 450 employees, this current year.

"You can either complain or do something," Oberholtzer said, telling Alsever he felt compelled to lend a hand to struggling youth, after spending some time volunteering to cook for the homeless shelter.