The Millward Café is also lending purpose and building skills and experience for the hospitality crew from local disability provider, Onemda to help them become job ready.

Manager at the Calvary home in Melbourne’s Doncaster East, Joy Ncube, said the café had become a vibrant social hub for residents and their visitors and families where they can also meet up with new people from different backgrounds.

“It is beautiful for our residents,” Ms Ncube said.

“We wanted to bring the community into Calvary Millward for our residents. Before our residents came to live with us, they used to go and have a coffee at their local café, that was normal for them. Now they continue to interact with the outside community, and it has been very beneficial.

“We had some residents who used to stay mainly in their rooms but now you see them out and about and coming to enjoy that coffee experience they used to have.”

Onemda was established more than 50 years ago and is dedicated to supporting people with intellectual disability. Through its Pathways to Independence and Employment program, Onemda provides meaningful opportunities for participants to develop independence, build confidence, and gain practical skills, paving the way for them to achieve their personal and professional goals.

Communications manager Aisling McCabe said the program was central to Onemda’s commitment to creating an inclusive community and promoting the potential of every participant.

The collaboration with Calvary was the next step for participants who have already gained valuable experience in food handling, customer service, barista work and other hospitality skills through Onemda’s Embrace Café trailer project, itself a partnership with the local Manningham Council.

“The Millward Café offers our experienced participants the opportunity to take their next step toward employment,” Ms McCabe said. “And they are also enjoying the chance to build relationships with the residents, adding a sense of community and purpose to their work.

“It is an invaluable experience. The team is gaining more than just hospitality expertise, they are developing the confidence, independence, and interpersonal skills that will support their future employment aspirations.”

Teneille is part of the Wednesday crew enjoying the satisfaction of a job well done and having fun.

Asked what makes being a barista fun, she says: “Focusing, and doing my job.”

And the residents? “They are amazing. They say thank you for making their coffee.”

Ms Ncube said the appreciation was mutual.

“The people from Onemda are doing a great job, and there has been a lot of positivity from our residents, and their families. They all enjoy interacting with the young people, they talk with them and laugh with them,” Ms Ncube said.

Partnering with Onemda and the young workers was also a reflection of Calvary Health Care’s values of hospitality, healing, and respect, she said.

“Calvary’s mission is all about Being for Others. The Millward Café is not only helping the café crew advance their skills, but also providing an added sense of purpose, connection, and community for everyone involved.”