A cup of coffee. It’s such a tasty start to the day, or energetic boost in the afternoon. But did you know your cup of Joe can also help Seattle youth? Every cup you buy at Coffee TAB does just that.
And the nonprofit coffee shop will soon open its third location, this one at 23rd Avenue South and South Jackson Street in Seattle’s Central District, expanding workplace training opportunities for Seattle youth who are involvement in the foster care system, face housing instability, or are experiencing other difficult circumstances. The organization also operates cafes in Pioneer Square and Belltown.
Coffee TAB’w paid, eight- to 12-week apprenticeship is aimed at supporting foster youth and other teens and young adults who have experienced foster care or housing instability. Apprentices gain hands-on barista experience in customer service, but support and skill-building for job applications and interviewing, personal finance and workplace responsibilities.
The organization spells out its philosophy on the web: “We believe coffee can be a catalyst for community and transformation. When customers choose Coffee TAB, they are doing more than buying coffee—they are investing in the future of a young person and helping build a stronger, more connected community. Our goal is to create lasting impact, one relationship and one cup of coffee at a time.”
New Horizons, Treehouse and YouthCare are among the foster care support and youth organizations that refer participants to the program. The cafe will occupy a former Starbucks space that has been vacant since 2022. An opening date has not yet been announced. Read more at South Seattle Emerald.
TAKE ACTION: Help kids leaving the Washington foster care system gain work skills and other support by enjoying a cup or two of coffee at Coffee TAB’s first two locations: 211 Lenora Street and 719 2nd Avenue, both in Seattle.Â
