A cafe set up to train and employ at-risk youth is receiving recognition, two and a half years after being started in Menai.
Cafe Y, located next to Menai Library, opened to the public in 2014 with a goal to train and employ at-risk young people. The cafe is managed by Project Youth.
This week they celebrated a successful year, which was topped off by receiving a highly commended award at the Menai District Business Awards recently.
Project Youth executive officer Kellie Checkley said it was nice to receive the recognition.
“It is an amazing achievement that a social enterprise can compete against other local businesses and get placed in their category, it really is a testament to the hard work of the young people.”
The Cafe is run by young people and is supervised by Jen McDonald and local volunteers. Training is provided by TAFE NSW.
Cafe Y is also looking to employ a dedicated youth worker to support the Cafe Y program.
“With a dedicated youth worker we will be able to ensure even more young people complete the program and make a successful transition [into work],” Checkley said.