The award-winning Urbean Cafe workforce development program reopened June 8 following a forced three-month COVID-19 related closure from late March through early June.

The Urbean Cafe program is a social business venture that has contributed nearly $5 million* to the local economy since 2011, and celebrated nine years in July.

The extended closure of the Cafe resulted in significant financial hardship for the organization, in addition to extended layoffs for its already vulnerable clientele. The Cafe is operating at 60% capacity as of September, and we continue to work with the community to resume full operations.

The unemployment rate for Ohio citizens transitioning from incarceration to community is typically a staggering 25-40% compared with the general population.

Urbean Cafe seeks to overcome this challenge by creating a unique workforce development model that addresses every aspect of workforce readiness for returning citizens - training, hands-on experience, soft skills, time management and accountability - all while supporting local Ohio vendors to maximize economic impact.

Come visit us at The Robert K. Pfaff Metro Transit Center in Akron, Ohio, We offer a diverse menu including our own locally roasted Urbean Cafe coffee and our famous Carrot Cake!