SCAPC’s community partner Café Reconcile works to transform the lives of young adults, ages 16-24, and the community through providing workforce development and training, encouraging personal growth, and promoting entrepreneurship.  Their mission statement says that they are “committed to addressing the system of generational poverty, violence and neglect in the New Orleans area.”

Chief Development Officer Caitlin Scanlan said that beginning in January 2021, Cafe Reconcile embarked on an ambitious three-year strategic plan that defines strategic priorities across their program, Café and Catering operations, and non-profit business operations.

Scanlan said, “One of the four initiatives this strategy focused on is
defining Reconcile’s philosophy of racial equity.  Our focus is to work on systemic change beginning with a more equitable work environment for our staff and program participants, then bringing these learnings to our community partners.”

She continued, “To date we have: developed a Project Plan to measure the organization’s progress;  held racial equity trainings for staff and are planning for Board Members; built workshops for program participants on racial equity and knowing their employee rights; and finally, revamped the organization’s
employee handbook, hiring policies, and annual review policies to address racial equity workplace best practices.”

Café Reconcile is to be commended for their work in the area of racial equity.  If you’d like to learn more about Café Reconcile, go to their website at www.cafereconcile.org.  The Café at 1631 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd has re-opened for lunch on weekdays from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm.