Another Visit to Destination Cafe

Today I took the time to visit Destination Cafe's drop-in session, which takes place every Thursday from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm. Climbing up the narrow stairs to the second floor (above the actual shop itself) I was greeted by the sight of about eight or nine individuals sitting and drinking coffee, a freshly made Peruvian blend that was smooth with no bitter after taste.

The company was friendly and welcoming. Most of the people attending had come a fair distance from various parts of Mississauga and seemed to be enjoying themselves. Conversation ranged from the best rides at the Ex (a fair that is held annually in the Toronto area) to the new upcoming Star Trek movie and Willie Nelson (Question: What has 1000 legs and 50 teeth? Answer: The audience at a Willie Nelson concert)

While outside having a smoke, I got into a conversation with Shirley, the point person whose responsibility it is to coordinate the activities of the cafe. Shirley told me that as a result of a new grant from the United Way, a new employment initiative is beginning that "supports social purpose enterprises for people with mental health issues." The funding will in particular focus on sales and marketing initiatives.

Another employment initiative is of course Destination Cafe itself, which hires those with mental health issues seeking to get a toehold in the job market. Aline, a young woman working the afternoon shift at the cafe today, informed me that business has been suffering of late, due to the winter weather. She estimated that the cafe had about 12 customers so far that day.

In spite of the palpable dampener that winter is exerting on business like the cafe's, everyone seemed up-beat and positive. Clearly, Destination Cafe will be in business for some time to come.