Today, we are taking it back to Creative Cafe at Seattle’s Washington Hall, an uplifting program developed by Creative Justice that offers young people a space to learn and develop essential life skills in the context of working at a cafe. It aims to provide a safe transition for youth, teaching them how to be adults, work, and secure jobs, equipping them with the tools needed to thrive. Director of Creative Cafe Dan Bash emphasized the program's role in helping young people survive in the real world and applying secure resources to support them.

The program integrates these resources with coffee education, delving into the origins and history of coffee, starting from Ethiopia and exploring both historical narratives and Western colonial perspectives. This educational component ensures that the young people understand the product's journey.

Barista training at Creative Cafe employs a unique, sense-based method, focusing on developing an intuitive understanding of coffee preparation through sight, sound, smell, and taste. This foundational training is followed by technical instruction covering aspects like temperature ranges. This approach allows young people to not only master the technical skills but also to develop a sensory appreciation for crafting a quality cup of coffee, empowering them with skills for success and intervention in the criminal justice system.

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