Urbean cafe workforce development program

Located at The Robert K. Pfaff Metro Transit Center at 631 South Broadway St. in Akron, Urbean Cafe provides a unique workforce development program for formerly-incarcerated citizens.

We have a full menu with prices that can’t be beat. Visit us 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday for some of the best coffee and cafe-style food in town.

The Urbean Café has contributed more than $8.5 million in economic impact to Summit County, provided workforce development for more than 160 citizens, and saved Ohioans more than $4 million in direct costs since 2011. *July 2024

Urbean Cafe Menu

Call 330-252-1633

Highlights

The average recidivism rate for former offenders is around 82% within the first 10 years of release, and 43% within one year. But for Urbean Cafe participants of 90 days or more, it’s less than 2% – saving Ohio taxpayers an average of $26,000 per year for every empty state penitentiary bed.

2023 Highlights

• Exceeded $8.5 Million in economic impact to Summit County since launch.

• 160 men and women employed since 2011.

• Less than 2% recidivism rate.

“I’ve made new friends, and I look at it as more of a family now. They’re positive.”

- Jessica

Restorative Justice

Urbean Cafe Employees

• Develop hard & soft skills needed for future employment.

• Give back to the community through stable employment.

• Maintain housing, utilities, transportation, and insurance.

• Pay restitution, including fines, court costs & child support.

• Establish and maintain bank accounts and credit.

• Contribute to federal, state, and local income taxes.

• Maintain identification and drivers license.

Skill Building

• Customer service skills.

• Time and business management skills.

• Budget, money management, and accounting skills.

• Team building and conflict resolution and skills.

• Organizational skills.