Our Businesses
Our businesses employ culinary graduates and others overcoming challenges to workplace success.
Employees expand their skills for future career opportunities
Our businesses provide hands-on experience in meals and catering, event services and production baking.
Wagster Dog Treats
Wagster Treats are premium dog biscuits produced in the bakery at our Gilardi Training & Events Center. This social enterprise business extends the Homeward Bound mission by employing graduates of Fresh Starts Culinary Academy as they build skills and confidence for a brighter future.
Our simple recipes combine familiar ingredients like apples, oats, coconut and peanut butter.
Where to purchase
Wagster Treats are available at Pet Food Express, Whole Foods Market and other Bay Area pet retailers or you can order online for shipping nationwide. They can also be purchased at our Administration Office or the adjacent Gilardi Training and Events Center. You can stop and shop any weekday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
1385 N. Hamilton Parkway in Novato.
All profits from Wagster Treats support shelter, housing and job-training programs at Homeward Bound of Marin. They’re healthy for dogs and good for the community.
Community Teaching Kitchen
Join us for a cooking class! The Community Teaching Kitchen offers hands-on classes and workshops open to the public. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, there’s a place for you.
Local chefs, seasonal recipes
You do more than cook with our lineup of talented chefs, local purveyors and cookbook authors. Every class and team-building event provides on-the-job learning for our culinary graduates and supports Homeward Bound’s shelter, training, and housing programs. Take a look at our calendar to find a class that matches your appetite!
Interested in a private team-building event? Contact us — we’d love to host your group.
The Key Room and Annexes
The Key Room and Annexes offer flexible, modern event spaces available to rent for corporate meetings, special occasions and business workshops. We’d love to host your future celebrations and business events in The Key Room or one of our fresh annexes in the Gilardi Training and Events Center.
Events and catering
Founded in 2008, The Key Room and Annexes serve as an extension of Homeward Bound of Marin, helping fulfill its mission of moving people from crises to stability to thriving. These unique businesses at our Novato campus earn revenue to support our programs and build employment skills for people facing barriers to work and housing.
Please email us to inquire about available dates and catering menus.
Fresh Starts Chef Events
Join us at Fresh Starts Chef Events to hear stories and learn from celebrity chefs like Rogelio Garcia, Roland Passot and PBS-TV Chef Joanne Weir.
Thank you to Bank of America, Presenting Sponsor of Fresh Starts Chef Events.
Fresh recipes and meals
Each event in The Key Room offers a chance to see our culinary trainees and graduates in action while enjoying recipe demonstrations and a delicious meal. Take a look at our calendar of upcoming events and sign up for email updates for the latest additions.
Please contact us with any questions.
