Urbean cafe workforce development program
Located at The Robert K. Pfaff Metro Transit Center at 631 South Broadway St. in Akron, Urbean Cafe provides a unique workforce development program for formerly-incarcerated citizens.
We have a full menu with prices that can’t be beat. Visit us 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday for some of the best coffee and cafe-style food in town.
Urbean Café has exceeded $7 million* in economic impact to Summit County, and saved Ohio taxpayers more than $3.5 million in direct costs since 2011. *
*As of October 2023
Urbean Cafe Menu
Call 330-252-1633
Highlights
The average recidivism rate for former offenders is around 66% within the first three years of release, but for Urbean Cafe participants of 90 days or more, it’s less than 2% – saving Ohio taxpayers an average of $26,000 per year for every empty state penitentiary bed.
2023 Highlights
Exceeded $7 Million in economic impact to Summit County since launch.
140 men and women employed since 2011.
Less than 2% recidivism rate.
“I’ve made new friends, and I look at it as more of a family now. They’re positive.”
- Jessica
Restorative Justice
Urbean Cafe Employees
Develop hard & soft skills needed for future employment.
Give back to the community through stable employment.
Maintain housing, utilities, transportation, and insurance.
Pay restitution, including fines, court costs & child support.
Establish and maintain bank accounts and credit.
Contribute to federal, state and local income taxes.
Maintain identification and drivers license.
Skill Building
Customer service skills
Time and business management skills
Budget, money management, and accounting skills
Team building and conflict resolution and skills
Organizational skills