Byron Community Centre’s not for profit coffee shop, The Coffee BOX, has just received a $5,000 grant from the Northern Rivers Community Foundation (NRCF) to help grow their Coffee BOX work experience program in 2018.
The Coffee BOX was set up in 2016 to give local women training and support to move out of disadvantage via work experience and community connection.
‘After one year in operation the Coffee BOX is now beginning to thrive,’ said Shanti Des Fours, Program Coordinator.
‘The project builds confidence, employment skills, and community connection. This NRCF grant will help us grow to program and support even more women in 2018. By the end of 2018 we hope to operate as an entirely self-sufficient social enterprise.’
All funds raised as part of the program go back into funding the Byron Community Centre’s community services and the coffee BOX training program and the program has had a significant impact.
‘The stats are incredible, more than 40 per cent of our graduates are now employed, 80 per cent of our have reported an increase in community connection, and every single one of our graduates have reported an increase in their self-confidence and skills for employment,’ continued Shanti.
You can support them by picking up a coffee at the Coffee BOX located right next door to the Byron Community Centre, 69 Jonson St Byron Bay.
‘This program gave me a purpose,’ said a recent graduate of the course.
