The Arts and Carafes CaféNEW YORK CITYVOICES: November/December 2001
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By Adele Stich, Coordinating Editor, New York City Voices
The Arts and Carafes Café is more than a place in the back of a bakery on 147-17 Jamaica Ave. that serves gourmet items such as crepes and flavored coffees. "The main purpose is to give mentally ill people an opportunity to work and provide training so they can move on to other jobs," said Mark Bernstein, Deputy Director of Transitional Services, Inc. (TSI), a nearby agency that provides comprehensive rehabilitation and runs the program.
The café is an affirmative business program. TSI submitted a proposal to the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) in response to their request for proposals for programs for mentally ill people. It was an OMH requirement to hire mentally ill people with a history of addictive disorders or homelessness.
Mr. Bernstein said, "There are a lot more skills and job opportunities we can prepare people for." Positions include waiters, counterpersons, cashiers, cooks and maintenance. Before hiring them, TSI explores candidates' interests and abilities to see the best place to start them. Employees are trained to do different jobs.
To be capable of work and get the most out of it, candidates should be in recovery. Mr. Bernstein said, "We provide support, in terms of individual and group counseling, so they will remain free of drugs and alcohol." He recommends workers also be in individual therapy. People with a history of homelessness must be living in a residence.
Every worker meets with a counselor at TSI, and there are support groups. People also need motivation. Mr. Bernstein said, "The manager trains and has expectations for them. It's a job. They have to be able to come in on time, sustain a full day (or other hours), and follow instructions. Initially, we're understanding, but they have to show the inclination to pick it up."
People in food service positions need to take required food safety courses. Management, which also functions as job coaches, provides the training. The program's manager, Diana Brosgole, has a background in food service, restaurant management and cooking. Although Ms.Brosgole is not a consumer, she has the ability to understand and communicate with people coping with mental illness.
Staff arrives at 7 a.m. to prepare the fresh food, and set up supplies so they are ready for business. After the breakfast rush, comes the lunch crowd. The staff also caters. Once people from local businesses, such as the courts and the Long Island Rail Road sample and like the food, they give the Café their business.
Mr. Bernstein feels this hectic business gives people confidence and some recipients have moved into other jobs in the restaurant field or other work. "It's a real job," Mr. Bernstein said, "a demanding one. When we're busy, you have to meet the customer's needs, prepare quality items and meet work guidelines. [Consumers] see they can do it."
Kenneth, a worker, agrees. He said, "I knew a few people that didn't have a job before, and vastly improved their skills. Ms. Brosgole, the manager, and Mr. Bernstein boost them." Kenneth, a consumer, who was referred by TSI, spoke about how the work helped him. He enjoys cooking, and took a position as a food service worker. He is now the head cook, and prepares the meals, following the manager's recipes.
He said, "I've learned styles of cooking I've never heard of, such as grilling vegetables and preparing Reuben wraps." Kenneth says he has gained self-confidence, and that his manager is very encouraging. She also sees that customers are satisfied with the food he makes. "One lady raves about the crepes I make, told her friends, and they come here now. I had never made crepes before I worked here."
For information on applying to this café program, call TSI, 718-526-8400, and ask for Vocational Services Director Denise Farrington, or anyone else from that department.
To reach the café by train, take the F, E, J or Z to Sutphin Blvd in Queens, walk to Jamaica Ave and then half a block to the café. Call Manager Diana Brosgole 718-725-0700 for help.
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