By: Naomi Azrieli

A musician friend of mine once said, “I orchestrate my mornings to the tune of coffee.” What a great way to express the feeling that so many of us have: coffee is essential. Whether in the morning as we are waking up, as a mid-morning conversation starter with friends or colleagues, or as the perfect ending note to a great meal, we at Rafiken Social Enterprises are guided by our love of the bean.

We are also guided by our belief that every individual is essential and has the right to participate fully in their communities, including the right to meaningful employment. Nearly 70% of the neurodiverse community in Canada is unemployed even though many of those without jobs are ready, willing and able to work. Rafiken Social Enterprises was created with this in mind.

We are delighted to be partnering with Holy Blossom Temple and Reena to bring you the Holy Grounds Café – a social enterprise run by neurodiverse individuals. Launching on Sunday, April 24th, we invite you to visit us in the Temple lobby and enjoy delicious coffee, espresso drinks, tea and other goodies. With this pilot project, we aim to promote social inclusion by providing our employees with a meaningful paid employment opportunity, working in a job they can be proud of. And of course, to serve you the best cup of coffee you’ve ever had!

Holy Grounds Café by Rafiken Social Enterprises will be open every Sunday morning from April 24th until June 26th (except for Shavuot) between 9:30 and 12:30. We are looking forward to seeing and serving you soon.