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.
Urbean Café has exceeded $7 million* in economic impact to Summit County, and saved Ohio taxpayers more than $3.5 million in direct costs since 2011. *
*As of October 2023
Urbean Cafe Menu
Call 330-252-1633
Highlights
The average recidivism rate for former offenders is around 66% within the first three years of release, 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 $7 Million in economic impact to Summit County since launch.
140 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.
““I lost a job through some problems, a job I had for 18 years…the Urbean Cafe has helped to stabilize my life.” ”
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
““When I came to Broken Chains Ministry, not only did they help me with a job, but they became like family to me…a better family than I had ever had.””