True Heart Café is the island’s first social enterprise, entirely staffed by young adults with autism, aiming to break down barriers and promote inclusion. Officially opened last month, the café employs 18 individuals on the autism spectrum and currently has a waiting list of 12 eager candidates.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
- True Heart Café operates at Yiannis Kranidioti 10, 1065 Nicosia, from Monday to Saturday, 7 am to 6 pm. It stands as a testament to the potential of inclusive social enterprises.
True heart: Empowering Young Adults with Autism
Ellen Georgiou Pontikis, founder of the Voice for Autism NGO, leads this innovative venture. She expressed her mixed feelings about the waiting list, stating, “Our business model has 18 kids with autism, and we’re at maximum capacity; there’s a waiting list of 12. And that saddens me because I know that there’s going to be another 12 and another 12.” The café aims to provide a supportive environment where these young adults can thrive.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Social Enterprises in Cyprus
As the first social enterprise in Cyprus, True Heart Café represents a significant step forward. In Europe, there are approximately 2.8 million social enterprises. Previous attempts in Cyprus faced substantial hurdles, from navigating complex legal issues to dealing with governmental bureaucracy.
“There were huge challenges in the Cyprus context, number one, navigating the complex legal issues because the EU doesn’t have a template, it’s given to the member states,” added Pontikis. “The legal costs was another issue.” Establishing a social enterprise can be more expensive than traditional business models, requiring significant training and support.
Support from Government and Community
True Heart Café received crucial backing from the deputy minister of social welfare, which facilitated access to European funds. “They were very supportive,” Pontikis noted, highlighting the importance of collaboration. This partnership has enabled the café to provide financial support to carers and employ trainers specifically focused on the skills needed by the staff.
The project also empowers some of the young adults with autism by making them shareholders in the business. “The department actually said to me that it would be a good idea to have a couple of the youth as shareholders, and they provided them with a grant to invest in the business,” explained Pontikis. This ownership fosters a sense of belonging and pride among the staff.
Creating a Community of Independence
Three years prior, the Voice for Autism set up two group homes in Lakatamia, Nicosia, providing independent and supported living for young adults with autism. These homes are designed to help residents lead independent lives while receiving the necessary support. “Independent living goes hand-in-hand with employment opportunities,” said Pontikis. “My son lives in one of the group homes, and he’s living his best life.”
Many young adults face challenges when it comes to finding work. Constantinos, a barista at the café, spent eight years at home without job opportunities. “That leads to depression, especially girls on the spectrum,” Pontikis remarked, emphasising the social pressures faced by these individuals. She believes that government support and private enterprise collaboration are essential for addressing these challenges.
A Unique Business Model
True Heart Café’s approach is innovative, focusing on the abilities of its staff rather than their limitations. Not all employees are trained to make coffee, but roles have been tailored to their skills. “We didn’t print our paper cups; we have stickers that can be added on, and that’s a great job for people that can’t really make a coffee,” Pontikis explained. The café is dedicated to nurturing the unique strengths of its staff.
Head of Operations Alexandros Karpis shared his excitement about the café’s mission. “This is hospitality merging with social activism; it’s a fusion that I haven’t been part of before, and I’m incredibly excited,” he stated. The café aims to foster an inclusive environment, where employees can thrive and develop new skills.
Building Skills for the Future
Training is an essential component of True Heart Café’s operations. An occupational therapist is involved in developing roles that suit individual abilities. “We have three people who are trained as baristas and can move on to another job right now if they wanted to,” Pontikis noted, highlighting the potential for growth.
As the café continues to establish itself, it faces the challenge of sustainability. “We also have the productivity challenge. Our kids are not as productive as the coffee shop across the road,” Pontikis acknowledged. The café must maintain high standards to compete, providing quality products and services while fostering inclusion.
Changing Perceptions of Autism Employment
True Heart Café is not just about serving coffee; it is about changing perceptions of autism and employment opportunities. “There’s a huge employment gap, and what I’m seeing already, after a few weeks, is it drives innovation,” Pontikis said. The café aims to pave the way for other businesses to create inclusive job opportunities.
As Constantinos proudly shares, “I’m very proud and happy and content and I like being a barista, playing the guitar and piano and to sing.” His enthusiasm reflects the transformative power of the café, where everyone belongs.
True Heart Café operates at Yiannis Kranidioti 10, 1065 Nicosia, from Monday to Saturday, 7 am to 6 pm. It stands as a testament to the potential of inclusive social enterprises.
