Urbean Cafe Celebrates Success
Our Urbean Café workforce development program has contributed more than $10 million in economic impact to Summit County, provided workforce development for nearly 170 people, and saved Ohio taxpayers more than $5 million in direct costs since 2011.
How Urbean Cafe Works for Everyone
Launched as a Restorative Justice program, Urbean Café has equipped nearly 170 former felons for success in work and life, and served as a successful example of what real-world mentoring and community collaboration can accomplish.
The program was designed to help overcome the employment barriers faced by formerly incarcerated citizens. Our employees develop practical skills and soft skills while being held accountable and serving others in the community every day.
Café employees have a 2% or lower recidivism rate compared to the national average of about 43% within one year, and Summit County’s rate of 39% within 3 years.
According to Tenzing Lahdon, the Bureau of Justice Assistance Policy Advisor on Courts, Communities, and Strategic Partnerships, incarceration alone is not achieving the justice goals of social equity, enhanced public safety, lower recidivism rates, more resilient communities, and reduced criminal justice and correctional costs.
The Urbean Cafe provides a successful reentry and workforce program that is faith-centered by design.
More Than a Job
“This is more than a job to me; it’s a way to give back,” said Chuck Baldwin, Urbean Café’s general manager, and a successful client. “I like making a positive impact, and this is a great way to do it.”
Baldwin joined the café staff in November 2021 after his release from prison and was recently promoted to the role of general manager.
“We help every staff member make positive changes while serving the community, and that’s something to be proud of,” Baldwin added.
Located in Akron’s Robert K. Pfaff Metro Transit Center and known for its locally roasted coffee, freshly prepared meals, and homemade carrot cake, the café recently introduced a new menu, tables and chairs, and freshly waxed floors.
The café is open weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Visit the Urbean Cafe page to learn more.