Urbean Cafe Workforce
Development Program
Our award-winning workforce development program at Urbean Cafe provides meaningful work for returning citizens while generating regional economic impact.
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.
The Urbean Café has contributed more than $10 million in economic impact to Summit County, provided workforce development for more than 170 citizens, and saved Ohio taxpayers more than $5 million in direct costs since 2011.
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 Cafe Menu
Impact
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%. Successful employees have saved Ohio taxpayers more than $5 million in penitentiary costs since 2011.
Exceeded $10 million in economic impact to Summit County since 2011.
Saved $5 million in taxpayer dollars.
170 men and women have been successfully 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.”
Urbean Cafe Employees Give Back
Pay restitution, including fines, court costs, and child support.
Contribute to federal, state, and local income taxes.
Maintain housing, utilities, transportation, and insurance.
Establish and maintain bank accounts and credit.
Maintain identification and driver’s 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.
Soft 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.”