Three of the area’s leading nonprofits are joining forces on CafeWorks, a new social enterprise business supporting homeless and at-risk youth. Opening to the public on Dec. 1, CafeWorks is a partnership between Cocoon House, Housing Hope, and HopeWorks Social Enterprises, and will feature a full espresso bar and fresh pastries and sandwiches.

“We’re thrilled to be opening CafeWorks at HopeWorks Station and working with Cocoon House,” said Ross Latham, Chief Operating Officer at HopeWorks. “By getting a cup of coffee and a pastry at CafeWorks, customers will also be supporting job training for homeless teens in our community.”

CafeWorks is the newest social enterprise project from HopeWorks, an organization that evolved from Housing Hope’s goal to provide job readiness, counseling, internships and work experience to low income individuals and people experiencing homelessness. HopeWorks engages Housing Hope residents in internships in one of several social enterprises, including GroundWorks Landscaping Services, WaterWorks Irrigation Services, ReNewWorks Home & Decor Store, and now CafeWorks, a coffee shop serving the Everett community.

Through this partnership, teens from Cocoon House and Housing Hope will gain culinary, customer service and café management skills in a supportive learning environment.

“Cocoon House is excited for this partnership with Housing Hope and HopeWorks. Together, we are focused on breaking the cycle of poverty in Snohomish County,” says Joe Alonzo, Chief Program Officer at Cocoon House. “We believe that the workforce training offered by HopeWorks is a solid strategy for helping our youth in transition.”

CafeWorks is located in the HopeWorks Station Building at 3331 Broadway in Everett. The café is officially opening to the public on Dec. 1, and will be open from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. daily.