Coffee With A Cause Aids Transitional Age Youth – CoffeeTalk

Rosebud Cafe, founded by Dan Davidson in 2013, is a social entrepreneur that helps underserved young people in Pasadena by launching them into new careers. The cafe, which began as a coffee cart in the neighborhood, employs transitional age youth experiencing homelessness. Over 90% of the youth secure jobs after the 15-month training program offered by Coffee with a Cause, established in 2022. The nonprofit aspect was expanded through a restructuring movement led by operations manager Melissa Spolar.

The 15-month program includes a paid internship and a one-year mentorship. The organization trains the youth in soft skills such as professional communication, dress, and teamwork, as well as helping them discern between their strengths and passions. After the internship, the organization connects youth with mentors for additional soft skills training and help with transitioning to adulthood and employment. Mentors help the youth form a sense of career identity and priorities through assessments and conversations.

Coffee with a Cause partners with various small businesses and nonprofits in the area, such as Linares Landscaping, Around the Cycle, Pasadena Humane Society, Ritz Resale, and Revival Boutique & Thrift. These organizations employ youth interns and train them in skills pertinent to each, some of which have the potential for certifications such as SCA Barista or Personal Training.

The organization has three cohorts a year of anywhere from 10 to 15 youths. Transitional age youth are referred to the nonprofit through a network of service providers that ensure the youth are aided on their journey out of foster care. Since 2022, the referral partners have extended to anyone that aids a young person coming out of the justice system, exiting homelessness, or exiting the foster system.

In summary, Rosebud Cafe is a social entrepreneur that aims to uplift underserved young people in Pasadena by providing them with opportunities to learn soft and hard skills related to employment. The organization has grown significantly, with three cohorts a year of anywhere from 10 to 15 youths employed annually.

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