Since its 2011 launch, Akron’s Urbean Café has exceeded $6 million in economic impact to Summit County. A workforce development program of Broken Chains Ministry for formerly incarcerated citizens, the café serves up to 600 customers a day.

“Beyond generating $6 million in economic impact, the café’s less than two percent employee recidivism rate has saved Ohio taxpayers more than $3 million in direct costs,” said John Wiseman, Urbean Café’s business manager.

More than 115 individuals have achieved workforce readiness and successful reentry through this unique Restorative Justice program.

“Restorative Justice understands crime as an act against people, relationships, and the community,” said Dennis Shawhan, executive director of Broken Chains Ministry. “It is a more holistic and inclusive response to criminal behavior that seeks to provide leadership, reduce crime, improve behavior, strengthen the society, and repair harm.”

“We employ proven practices including mentoring, education, and workforce readiness to achieve these goals,” Shawhan added. “In the process, we help improve public safety, restore individuals to community with fairness, save taxpayer dollars, and generate positive economic impact.”

The café is located within the Robert K. Pfaff Metro Transit Center at 631 South Broadway in Akron, Ohio, and serves customers Monday through Saturday.