Starbucks partners with St. Matthew’s House to train baristas for new coffeehouse

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COLLIER COUNTY, Fla.- People are getting a second chance at life, one cup of coffee at a time.

Starbucks is working with St. Mathew’s House to train baristas who will work in the charity’s new coffee shop called Café M25.

Ronnie Sopena learned how to make a Mocha Frappuccino on Tuesday. He is one of six employees that will be working at the coffeehouse located inside the non-profit’s Boutique Thrift Store on Airport Pulling Road.

“It’s very exciting, it’s not just a coffee shop but it’s a coffee shop that serves Starbucks,” said Sopena.

The partnership between St. Matthew’s House and Starbucks is the first of its kind in the state.

“The idea that we could train our graduates and people who come through the program to really work in the coffee culture,” said Vann Ellison, President and CEO of St. Matthew’s House.

He said, “they could be trained as a barista, where they could support themselves, stay sober it just made a natural fit to work with Starbucks to do that.”

Jessica Tarver, the business development manager for Starbucks Coffee Co.,  said in a statement:

“We began discussions with Farestart, Catalyst Kitchens and St. Matthew’s House about four months ago and are proud to see the opening of this cafe. Starbucks has long been committed to being part of the community. We have worked together with St. Matthew’s House to create a training program and coffee house experience that is positive and inspiring for those who are looking for a second chance and to gain the work skills necessary to reenter the workforce.”

Ellison tells WINK News he hopes to expand the idea to their Bonita Springs location soon.

“We want to really provide the services that are needed in our community, the need’s greater than ever so it’s important to get this going.”

Ellison says the grand opening of Café M25 will be next Tuesday.

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