Our Barista Bar and Job Training Program is a new project by Lotus House Women’s Shelter and the Lotus House Thrift Chic Boutique designed to empower women and youth, raise public awareness and build grassroots support for creative and collaborative solutions to homelessness.

Our Barista Bar and Job Training Program is based on the success of our earlier Retail Job Training program at the Chic Boutique. We are working closely with local community partner Panther Coffee to diversify our employment programs hoping to better serve individuals on the work path. Beyond offering specialty coffee service and generating proceeds for Lotus House operations and programming, our Barista Bar will prepare Lotus House women and youth to enter the barista and restaurant industry. In a fast-paced, “real life” work environment, interns will learn everything from crafting espresso to customer service skills. They will gain work experience and professional references, and have the opportunity to save a “nest egg” as they prepare to leave Lotus House and live independently. Like our thrift store, the Barista Bar will be entirely staffed and managed by our homeless and formerly homeless guests and alumnae, showcasing the exemplary work of Lotus House women and youth.

Why do we do this? We recognize our individual and communal potential to empower and uplift those in need and strongly believe solutions to homelessness should remain inclusive. Our mission is to improve the lives of homeless women, youth and children by providing sanctuary, support, education, tools and resources that empower them to improve the quality of their lives on every level, achieve greater self sufficiency, and build safe, secure lives. Each cup of coffee from our Barista Bar and Employment Program supports women in our community build the foundation for a brighter future and blossom into who they are truly meant to be. In their dreams come true, we all benefit from the fruit of their potential realized.