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 $10 million in economic impact to Summit County, provided workforce development for more than 160 citizens, and saved Ohioans more than $5 million in direct costs since 2011.
Urbean Cafe Menu
Call 330-252-1633
Highlights
The average recidivism rate for former offenders is 43% within one year, and around 82% within the first 10 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.
Highlights
20th Anniversary Highlights, 2024
Exceeded $10 Million in economic impact to Summit County since launch.
Saved $5 million taxpayer dollars.
160 men and women employed.
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
Urbean Cafe Employees
Develop hard and soft skills needed for steady 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 licenses.
““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.””