A new social enterprise cafe in Melbourne’s east is set to help people with disability gain essential job skills training and opportunities to join the paid workforce. Source: Melbourne Catholic.
VMCH, a for-purpose aged and disability organisation, in partnership with Whitehorse City Council, unveiled Where Is My Coffee, Nunawading at the Nunawading Community Hub yesterday.
The launch coincided with International Day of People with Disability celebrations – reflecting the 2024 theme, “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future”.
VMCH board chair Julien O’Connell and chief executive officer Sonya Smart, along with Whitehorse City Council Deputy Mayor Cr Prue Cutts, unveiled the vibrant new cafe, which aims to provide a safe and supportive environment where people can learn job skills at their own pace, guided by experienced hospitality and disability support workers.
Ms Smart emphasised the urgent need for opportunities provided through social enterprises like the cafe.
“We know that people with disability are almost twice as likely to be unemployed compared to those without disability – a statistic we can help change,” Ms Smart said.
“Our various other social enterprises have shown incredibly positive outcomes, with 139 clients completing job skills training over the past year alone.
“Additionally, 33 people have secured award-wage work through our Employment Pathways program.”
Ms Smart added social enterprise is part of VMCH’s broader mission to ensure people with disability feel a sense of belonging within their community.
Where Is My Coffee, Nunawading is modelled on VMCH’s original Where Is My Coffee cafe in Wangaratta, which has supported 46 people with training and paid work since opening in late 2021.
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New social enterprise a community effort (Melbourne Catholic)
