Sam’s Place Coffee thrives in new Exchange District home

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This article was published 25/10/2023 (1072 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

When Sam’s Place Coffee left the Elmwood neighbourhood for the Exchange District, there were questions about how well things would go in its new home.

As it turns out, they’re going pretty well for the social enterprise program operated by Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba.

“There is remarkable traffic compared to the previous location,” said MCC Manitoba executive director Darryl Loewen, noting sales were seven times higher in the first part of October compared to the same time last year.

Loewen attributed the success to the new location (100-140 Bannatyne Ave.), which has more pedestrian traffic. He also pointed to an active social media campaign to promote the coffee shop.

“That campaign drew in a lot of traffic,” he said, adding five minutes after Sam’s Place opens at 7:30 a.m. on weekdays, a customer is coming in the door. “I hope it continues.”

Selling coffee and pastries isn’t the main reason Sam’s Place exists — although good sales help. Its primary purpose is to help youth who face employment challenges get job training and experience. It’s what MCC calls “coffee for a cause.”

“Our goal is to be a support to young people who face barriers to employment,” said manager Alison Greenslade, noting this includes people with mental health challenges, social anxiety, Down syndrome or autism.

“These are people who can be employable if they are given some assistance.”

The program has three intakes a year, with each accepting up to 10 participants ages 14 to 24. Youth come from area high schools and non-profit and social service agencies.

While at Sam’s Place, they can get job skills, certifications in food handling and food safety and job experience.

During their three-to-six-month placement, they also receive help with creating a resumé and job interview training, along with developing social skills such as making eye contact and answering the phone.

They also learn about worker’s rights and what constitutes a safe working environment.

“We provide lots of support and training,” said Rebecca Engel, volunteer and program co-ordinator at Sam’s Place. “It’s a form of hand-holding, in the best possible way.”

Her goal is to see them “exit the program with confidence” so they can find paying jobs in retail, local coffee shops, restaurants or other businesses.

Customers can also learn more about MCC’s work while enjoying a coffee at Sam’s Place; a large window on one side opens to the organization’s material aid centre, where quilts and other items are packed for shipment to the developing world.

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