Residents welcome community café

Calvary Millward aged care home in Victoria has a new spot to socialise thanks to a café partnership between the Millward Café and local disability provider Onemda.

A group of young people living with disabilities has been given hospitality roles in the café in Doncaster East that allows them to expand their skills and become job ready.  

Calvary home manager Joy Ncube said the café was a way to bring the community into Calvary Millward for their 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,” Ms Ncube said.

“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.”

Disability provider, Onemda has been servicing the community for over 55 years. The team is a skilled group of educators, support workers, and therapists that work over eight campuses.  

Through its Pathways to Independence and Employment program, Onemda provides opportunities for participants to build autonomy, confidence, and glean practical skills to achieve their personal and professional goals.

Onemda communications manager Aisling McCabe said the partnership with Calvary was the next step for participants who had already gained valuable experience in food handling, customer service, barista work and other hospitality skills through Onemda’s Embrace Café trailer project, which is 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.

“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.”

Tenielle, who works on Wednesdays as a barista, said she finds “focusing” and “doing my job” the most fun things about her role.

 “They [the residents] are amazing,” she said. “They say thank you for making their coffee.”

Ms Ncube said uniting with Onemda and the workers reflected Calvary Health Care’s values of hospitality, healing, and respect.

“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.

“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.”

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