Fresh coffees are sign of fresh starts
A cafe is opening in Lower Hutt with the aim to help former prisoners reintegrate back into society.
Wellington charity Trade School Industries Trust will open Trade School Kitchen on Everest Ave, Naenae, in early August.
The trust runs an eight-week barista training course for inmates at Arohata Women’s Prison in Tawa, and will employ two graduates in the cafe.
The former inmates will be employed for about six months at a time, after which the trust will evaluate the next steps and help the women find work in the hospitality industry if they are ready.
Chair of the trust Matthew Lamason said the idea behind the cafe was ‘‘jobs not jails’’ – reducing reoffending by increasing employment opportunities for former prisoners.
‘‘We’re trying to create a dignified
‘‘It’s about giving people a second chance in life, and that makes communities stronger.’’
Lauren Tennent
and holistic response to recidivism. We’re looking at the struggles of when you get out prison – how do you be your best self, how do you live the life you want to live?’’
The trust’s training and reintegration co-ordinator, Lauren Tennent, heads the barista training in Arohata Prison.
She said the women’s selfesteem increased hugely throughout the programme.
‘‘The programme is about getting to the point where the women could get a job at any cafe in the country, where they can go to a coffee machine and know what to do.’’
Establishing the cafe in Naenae would offer a real opportunity for the participants at the end of the course, she said.
Tennent hoped initiatives like their’s would decrease the stigma around those with a prison past.
‘‘It’s about giving people a second chance in life, and that makes communities stronger.’’
Jessica*, an inmate at Arohata Prison who has recently graduated from the barista course, said she had learned a lot.
‘‘It took me right out of my comfort zone. I’ve become a lot more patient with people, and more confident.’’
Soon to be released, Jessica said she hoped to get a job in hospitality with her new skills.
‘‘I’m really happy, and I feel really positive. The last time I got a certificate I was in high school, now it’s given me an extra skill that I never had.’’