Shareholders in the first-ever nonprofit IPO, an "Immediate Public Opportunity...to end homelessness" with Homeward Bound of Marin, will gather Jan. 25 for an update at the Next Key Center in Novato.

This third annual meeting for buyers of "fundraising shares" offers investors an overview of progress for residents and programs at the center, which includes 32 studio apartments and serves as Homeward Bound's social enterprise hub.

Circle Bank Chief Executive Officer Kim Kaselionis, an honored shareholder, will emcee the program from 5 to 7 p.m. that includes a presentation by acclaimed cookbook author and chef Joyce Jue.

Chef Jue will demonstrate a recipe designed to "appreciate stock" with friends and family - her version of Tom Kha Gai, or Thai coconut chicken soup. Appetizers will be served by Homeward Bound's Fresh Starts Catering team.

A 3,000-square-foot commercial kitchen sits at the heart of the Next Key Center, which is home to Fresh Starts Culinary Academy as well as social enterprise projects like rental of the Key Room event space and production of Halo Truffles.

Shareholders will hear about programs like:

       Fresh Starts Cooking School, a series of celebrity chef events featuring culinary luminaries like Michael Mina and Joanne Weir
       The "Transition to Wellness" program, a collaboration with local hospitals and social service providers to offer temporary accommodations to people leaving medical facilities without stable housing
       Fresh Starts Catering, which offers work experience to students who prepare food for on-site and off-site events
       Production of frozen cookie dough sold to Circle Bank for on-site baking in their branches

Designed to be financially self-sustaining through revenues from social enterprise ventures and apartment rents, the Next Key Center forecast gross revenues of more than $475,000 for the current fiscal year.

"Our shareholders will have reasons to celebrate their 'returns on investment' that benefit the entire community," says Mary Kay Sweeney, executive director of Homeward Bound, Marin County's chief provider of residential services for homeless adults and families.

The event is free to shareholders. Shares are still available for purchase online at www.ipohomeward.com or by calling 415-382-3363 x211. For more information, please visit www.hbofm.org.