Grand Opening: Embrace Cafe Glenroy
Post Created: 13 March 2025
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air at the Glenroy Community HUB yesterday, as Onemda proudly celebrated the official Grand Opening of Embrace Café in Glenroy. This momentous occasion marked another step forward in creating meaningful employment pathways for people with disability.
The event was attended by members of Merri-Bek Council, including Mayor Cr Helen Davidson, Council CEO Cathy Henderson, Onemda CEO Simon Lewis, participants, staff, and more. Together, they gathered to honour the achievements of the Embrace Café program and recognise its positive impact on the local community.
In her official address, Mayor Cr Helen Davidson praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of inclusive employment programs that empower individuals with disability. “Embrace Café is a shining example of what can be achieved when organisations, local council, and the community work together to create meaningful opportunities for all.”
A Vision for Inclusion and Empowerment
Since its inception, Embrace Café has provided hands-on experience in hospitality and customer service, equipping participants with essential workplace skills. The program fosters independence, confidence, and community connection - key elements that help individuals transition into long-term employment.
Onemda CEO Simon Lewis spoke passionately about the initiative’s impact, stating, “The expansion of Embrace Café into Glenroy is not just about serving coffee - it’s about serving opportunities, confidence, and a sense of belonging. We are incredibly proud to see our participants gaining real-world skills, growing in confidence, and engaging with their community in such a meaningful way.”
The morning’s celebrations included heartfelt speeches from Onemda CEO Simon Lewis, Mayor Cr Helen Davidson, and Embrace Café participant Amber, who shared her own experiences of learning new skills and forming valuable connections through the program. “I love working at Embrace Café because it helps me feel more confident,” Amber expressed. “I get to meet new people, learn new things, and be part of something special.”
A Community Coming Together
Beyond the formal proceedings, the event was a warm and welcoming celebration. Guests enjoyed freshly brewed coffee, and plenty of smiles from the enthusiastic team behind the counter. The café, located at the front of the Glenroy Community HUB, will operate Monday to Wednesday, offering high-quality service and a menu carefully curated by participants, guided by Onemda’s dedicated support staff.
Looking to the Future
The opening of Embrace Café in Glenroy signifies the continued growth of Onemda’s Pathway to Independence and Employment model, building on the success of the original café in Manningham. This initiative is not just about employment; it’s about changing perceptions and demonstrating the valuable contributions that people with disability make in the workforce.
Simon Lewis reinforced this sentiment, adding, “We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue their goals, and Embrace Café is a powerful demonstration of that. Our participants are not only learning skills, they are proving that inclusion in the workplace benefits the whole community.”
As the event wrapped up, guests left feeling inspired, not just by the delicious coffee, but by the dedication and enthusiasm of the café’s participants. Embrace Café in Glenroy is now officially open for business, and with every cup poured, it continues to pour opportunity into the lives of those who work there.
