VIMHS
Vancouver Island Mental Health Society
‘Everyone who’s in here is happy’ – a visit to Coco Cafe
‘Everyone who’s in here is happy’ – a visit to Coco Cafe
‘Everyone who’s in here is happy’ – a visit to Coco Cafe
Friday 15th December 2023
Discover Cocoa Cafe in Cedar, Vancouver Island, offering opportunities for people with disabilities through employment and community support.
33 minutes
Inspiring
Empowering
Informative
Hopeful
Compassionate
About this podcast
Author:
VIMHS
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Community & Support Networks
Policy & Advocacy
Body & Mind
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Episodes:
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Get the buttons here!Cocoa Cafe: A Beacon of Hope and Inclusivity in Cedar
Episode Overview
- Cocoa Cafe offers employment, training, and socialization opportunities for individuals with varying abilities, reinvesting all earnings into funding its charitable mission.
- Jacob Brockman shares his passion for baking and his aspiration to sell his signature 'Brock's Brew' coffee, highlighting the cafe's supportive environment.
- Deborah Cooper reflects on the normalcy and purpose Cocoa Cafe has brought her son, emphasizing the positive impact on his life.
- Cecilia shares the positive transformations witnessed in the supported staff members over the years, underscoring the supportive and engaging community at the cafe.
- General Manager Mark Taschereau encourages people to support businesses that give back to the community, emphasizing that every interaction and choice, no matter how small, can make a positive change in the world.
Everyone who's in here is happy. There's hardly ever a day when I come in and people are not happy to be here.
Imagine a place where every cup of coffee serves a greater purpose. That's exactly what you'll find at Cocoa Cafe in Cedar, Vancouver Island. This heartwarming social enterprise is not just a cafe; it's a community hub offering employment, training, and social opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. Born out of the frustration of parents who wanted more for their children, Cocoa Cafe reinvests all its profits into its charitable mission, creating a space where everyone feels valued and purposeful.
Meet Marc Taschereau, the general manager who passionately shares the cafe's journey and its commitment to inclusivity. He explains how the majority of the team consists of individuals with varying abilities, each contributing their unique talents. Take Jacob Brockman, for instance, an employee who has found his calling in baking and dreams of selling his own 'Brock's Brew' coffee. His story is a testament to the transformative power of meaningful work.
Deborah Cooper, a parent, speaks candidly about the positive changes Cocoa Cafe has brought to her son's life. She emphasizes how the cafe has provided him with a sense of normalcy and purpose that was previously missing. Cecilia, a dedicated support worker, echoes this sentiment, sharing stories of growth and confidence she has witnessed among the staff members over the years. But Cocoa Cafe's impact doesn't stop at its doors.
Their Food for Friends programme is a shining example of community involvement, encouraging locals to support businesses that give back. As Marc Taschereau puts it, every interaction and choice can make a positive change in the world. If you're looking for a podcast episode that will leave you inspired and hopeful, this visit to Cocoa Cafe is a must-listen. It's a beautiful reminder that when a community comes together with a shared mission, incredible things can happen.