Grace Café: A Gateway to Salvation Army Services
The Salvation Army in South Windsor, Ont., is launching a new outreach opportunity. A cozy café has opened to introduce The Salvation Army’s services to members of the community and the church. Its name is the Grace Café.
“We named it to pay homage to the old Grace Hospital in Windsor. It is the first step into our outreach in the community,” Captain Nyree Bond, community ministries officer of the South Windsor Citadel says. “It is the first phase for our new outreach ministries in the community.”
The café offers free hot beverages like coffee, tea, and hot chocolate to anyone. The idea is to create a welcoming and safe environment for people to connect with The Salvation Army.
“You may come here for the café, but you might stay for something else,” Captain Bond adds.
Social Connection
For those already familiar with the Army’s services, this initiative allows them to socialize and build relationships.
“Our Grace Café will overlap with different programs we offer such as Bible studies and fellowship groups. So, when people come in for those, they can also stop at the café, pick up a drink and chat with people,” Captain Bond shares.
“You may come here for the café, but you might stay for something else.”
This new addition to the church will also serve as a launch pad for many café-based programs. Recently, a “New Moms Café” program began, as well as a “Play Café” for parents with young children. They also launched a new seniors “Sit & Fit” Café, a chair fitness program where members stay after exercise to enjoy a coffee and conversation at the café. New programs yet to come include the “Conversation Café” to allow newcomers to Canada to practice English, as well as the “Study Café” for students to have a cozy place to hang out and do homework.
Successful Launch
The Grace Café opened in early February. During the short time the café has been in operation, Major Bond has noticed it has encouraged people coming into The Salvation Army to stay longer.
“I think it is already creating that safe space that we wanted, and people feel welcome here.”
“We do have a high senior demographic in our congregation, and when they make the effort to come out to something, they usually are not ready to go home quickly. They want to stay and socialize. This gives them the space to talk to one another and for fellowship,” Captain Bond says.
Guests who have seen the café have complimented the space for its comfortable appearance.
“I think it is already creating that safe space that we wanted, and people feel welcome here.”
Community Support
Some local businesses have supported Grace Café by supplying baked goods to add to their menu. The staff are also taking note of requests to ensure the café has everything in demand.
“We are happy to serve, sit and chat over a coffee and journey together.”
So far, Captain Bond and other staff members have helped run the café. Volunteers are welcome to assist.
“We appreciate the donations from our community and look forward to future partnership opportunities.”
For many, the Grace Café could become a starting point for getting the assistance they need that would allow them to restore dignity and improve their life.
“We are happy to serve, sit and chat over a coffee and journey together as we build community and share the love of God,” Captain Bond says.
By Juan Romero
