When Cafe Y at Menai was forced to close its doors due to the coronavirus pandemic back in March, it left many of its young trainees without work and lacking direction.
A social enterprise run by Project Youth, an organisation supporting at-risk young people aged 12 to 25 in Sutherland Shire, Georges River and Bayside local government areas, Cafe Y provides much-needed employment and training for those keen to enter the hospitality and food industries.
With the slogan "nourishing potential", the cafe offers young people a fresh start and the tools to secure a job and live independently by supporting their career development in hospitality.
Each year, more than 60 people undertake training and placements through Cafe Y, where they learn skills such as cooking, front of house and barista.
The training they receive in partnership with TAFE NSW not only allows them to work at the cafe but many go on to find employment in other cafes, restaurants and other industries. All profits go back into supporting local young people.
Project Youth's Education, Employment and Training manager Karen Tsoumbaras said 69 young people completed a NSW TAFE Certificate II in Hospitality in partnership with them in the past 12 months.
"We provide extra support to them while they do the course," Ms Tsoumbaras said.
"Some of them need more support than others. We have young people who are homeless and maybe had no sleep the night before so we have someone there to help them."
Many use Cafe Y as a training ground to hone their skills before looking for employment.
Natasha, 19, first came to the attention of Project Youth when she was in year 11.
"I was first introduced to Project Youth when I was having accommodation issues when I was in year 11. There was a family breakdown and I needed somewhere safe to stay," she said.
Project Youth found her somewhere to live, where she remained for the next two years.
"I lived in their accommodation and it gave me a safe environment so I could complete my HSC," she said,
After completing her Certificate II in Hospitality with the help of Project Youth, she secured casual work at the Shangri-La Hotel in the city. She was there six months when COVID hit.
"March 13 was my last shift," she said.
During the COVID crisis, Project Youth stayed in touch with Natasha, and helped her access online courses. When a job came up at Cafe Y she jumped at the chance, and now works as a barista and front of house at the cafe, which reopened July 1.
"I love it. It's my favourite job I have had," she said.
"I love working in a cafe environment and interacting with the customers."
She also loves that she is now training and mentoring others.
"I love that I am helping them have a better future," she said.
Details: Cafe Y is at 34 Allison Crescent, Menai.
