Cafe invests in teaching skills
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A new social enterprise cafe in Warragul is supporting young people with a disability to work in hospitality.
“Coffee Vibes” opened last week at the West Gippsland Arts Centre and is being delivered through a partnership between Knoxbrooke and Baw Baw Shire .
Young people with a disability will work in the cafe and be supported by other staff in learning new skills and participating in rewarding employment.
All profits will be reinvested back into Knoxbrooke’s local disability support services, including Mawarra in Warragul, and other social enterprises.
Cafe manager Kelly Sheehan said the supported employees had adjusted well to their new roles and were dedicated to giving customers a great experience.
“We currently have two supported employees on staff and we have another two or three coming on board.
“Bella is concentrating on learning the till... she picked it up from day one, so she’s going to be expert level in four weeks time.
“And Paul is wonderful out on the floor... waiting and clearing tables.”
Each supported employee works three shifts a week and will be learning aspects of the job in rotations.
Additionally, supported employees from Knoxbrooke’s other enterprises have been helping out at the cafe too, making sure it is always adequately staffed.
So far, the support from customers and the wider community has been “incredible”, Ms Sheehan said.
At the moment the cafe stocks toasted sandwiches, soups, and a range of cakes and biscuits - hot and cold drinks are also on offer.
A celebration was held on Monday, May 29 complete with live music, and a ribbon cutting by Baw Baw Shire Mayor Annemarie McCabe and Knoxbrooke regional manager Claire Cutler.
Ms Cutler said the company was excited to finally open the doors to the cafe.
“As part of Coffee Vibes, we employ people living with a disability and support their aspirations to learn hospitality skills and the joy of serving members of the public,” she said.
“Our amazing staff members have been on site over the past week, getting familiar with the setup and preparing for the big opening.”
The cafe was very busy on Monday, Ms Sheehan said, and remained busy throughout last week, attracting WGAC patrons and those keen to escape from the cold and enjoy a good coffee.
“The community has just been incredible, the way they’re getting behind it... and if they haven’t been here, they’re sharing posts on social media - we’re getting messages of support all the time - it’s just fantastic”, she added.
Coffee Vibes will operate each day from 8am to 3pm and is a fully accessible facility capable of accommodating people with mobility support needs.