Papa Ganache Project

Lisa Siroti, LCSW, founder of Papa Ganache and the Papa Ganache Project, is a private psychotherapist, and an intensive in home and community therapist. Lisa supports at risk youth and families by providing effective interventions to address their challenges, as well assisting in the coordination of community resources.  She recognized greatness in the blending of two concepts – vegan baking and a life skills program for kids.  As a result, the creation of the Papa Ganache Vegan Bakery, and the Papa Ganache Project  – Strengths Development Program followed.

The Papa Ganache Project provides alternative therapeutic interventions for youth by utilizing the inner workings of a vegan bakery.  Kids work with mental health professionals through the real-life experiences encountered in this vegan bakery. Youth of varying achievement levels and learning needs are all afforded the opportunity to overcome challenges, as well as to develop positive life skills such as:

• Processing conflict
• building positive self esteem and self empowerment
• anger management skills
• coping strategies
• increased team building
• trust and respect
• limits and boundaries
• obtainment of age-appropriate goals
• the enhancement of more positive peer, family and community interactions

These kids also have the opportunity to experience a decrease of negative symptoms such as:

• fear of change
• lack of motivation
• risk-taking behaviors and judgment deficits
• lack of follow-through

The program promotes a high degree of interactive, open and supportive participation teaching life’s rules, cemented by mentoring relationships between youth and staff.

The Papa Ganache Project engages frustrated, bored and struggling youth in activities that propel use of imagination and natural creativity. PGP builds on passions and interests to foster discussion and personal expression, resulting in participants contributing, learning and experiencing success.  We catch kids ‘doing good things’, using praise and endorsement to recognize positive gains.  In addition, to encourage and maintain community connectedness, the Papa Ganache Project invites its graduates that have successfully completed the program to continue to be a part of the Papa Ganache community through volunteer work and employment (when available).

Our rolling admission policy allows youth to start the program at any time. Family participation is encouraged to facilitate the process, but is not essential to make it work.

If you have any questions about the program, contact:
Lindsay Nelson, Director PGP Strengths Development Program
Phone: 732 217 1750 or
Email: lnelson@papaganache.com