Coco Cafe has around 33 full and part-time employees, with roughly 50 per cent having some form of a developmental disability. It’s “a place where everyone is welcome”
COCO Cafe is owned by Cedar Opportunities Co-operative and its mission is to operate a successful social enterprise that provides employment, training, and socialization opportunities for people with developmental disabilities within their community. Since opening in June of 2011, COCO Cafe has become a bustling community hub that truly is “Where friends meet.” The cafe serves speciality coffees, soups and sandwiches made fresh to order from scratch using local ingredients.
In 2014 COCO Cafe provided approximately 3300 hours of supported employment. With increased cafe business and catering operations in 2015, supported employment was increased to approximately 4400 hours. In 2016 COCO Cafe projects an increase to 5500 hours of supported employment, by extending operational hours to include dinner service and by continuing to grow its catering department.
COCO Cafe has recently been selected as one of the Top 5 Finalists for the 13th Annual Small Business BC Awards in the “best community impact” category. Winners will be announced on February 25, 2016 at the Small Business BC Awards Ceremony at the Pan Pacific Vancouver.
We speak with Coco Cafe general manager Melanie Cadden.
677_melanie cadden_coco cafe_february_18_2016_40
Left-click to listen; right-click to save.
audio | #Nanaimo #VancouverIsland #socialenterprise COCO Cafe @FaithBodnar @VIMentalHealth https://t.co/P5h15HuZiG pic.twitter.com/WaKtzFe0i8
— People First Radio (@peoplefirstrad) February 19, 2016
