Off The Block Salsa

About Us

Off the Block Enterprises is Mentoring Positives' signature youth workforce development and entrepreneurship initiative serving youth ages 14–18 throughout Madison.
Participants engage in paid employment through a youth-operated social enterprise housed within Muriel's Place, Mentoring Positives' community-based commercial kitchen and workforce training center located on Madison's east side.
Youth receive hands-on experience in:
Culinary production
Customer service
Marketing
Sales
Inventory management
Food safety
Teamwork
Leadership
Financial literacy
Small business operations
Unlike traditional employment programs, Off the Block Enterprises integrates mentoring into every work experience. Staff intentionally coach participants in communication, conflict resolution, professionalism, emotional regulation, and leadership while youth earn wages and develop career skills.