Onemda expands Embrace Cafe to Glenroy

Post Created: 17 February 2025

Onemda is proud to announce the expansion of its groundbreaking social enterprise, Embrace Café, with a brand-new location now open at the Glenroy Community HUB. As of today, the café welcomes the local community from Monday to Wednesday, offering hot drinks, including barista-made coffee, and a selection of grab-and-go snacks. What makes Embrace Café truly special is it's not just a place to grab a coffee, but a vibrant hub where adults with intellectual disability take the lead, gaining valuable hands-on experience and skills that pave the way for future employment.

The Embrace Café program is a transformative employment pathway designed to provide meaningful skills and training for adults with intellectual disability. First established in 2022 with the support of a Community Partnership Grant from Manningham City Council, the program has grown into an industry-leading initiative that fosters confidence, independence, and career opportunities for participants.

At Embrace Café, participants are at the heart of operations. Supported by Onemda staff, they engage in all aspects of running a café, from customer service and food preparation to business operations and money handling. This hands-on approach equips them with real-world experience in the hospitality industry, opening doors to future employment opportunities in cafes, restaurants, retail, and beyond.

Since its inception, the program has empowered participants with industry-recognised training, including:

• Barista courses
• First aid certification
• Hospitality and food handling accreditation

These credentials have already helped many individuals transition into the workforce, demonstrating the life-changing impact of Embrace Café.

Bringing Inclusive Employment to Glenroy

Following the success of Embrace Café in Manningham, Onemda is thrilled to expand the initiative into Glenroy, in partnership with Merri-bek City Council. The new location at the Glenroy Community HUB provides an exciting opportunity for even more individuals to gain experience in a real café setting while engaging with the local community.

"We are incredibly proud to bring Embrace Café to Glenroy," says Simon Lewis, Onemda CEO. "This expansion means more opportunities for participants, more community connection, and more steps towards building an inclusive workforce where everyone has a chance to thrive."

Situated at the front of the Glenroy Community HUB, Embrace Café is perfectly positioned to serve the local community while acting as a beacon for social change. By choosing to support Embrace Café, customers are not only enjoying high-quality coffee and snacks but are also contributing to a program that actively creates employment pathways and fosters independence for adults with intellectual disability.

Come in and say hello. We can’t wait to serve you!

Embrace Café, Glenroy

Now Open: Monday to Wednesday

Located at the front of the Glenroy Community HUB

50 Wheatsheaf Rd, Glenroy