WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Xenia Mayor Marsha Bayless visited the HOPE Café in Xenia this morning. Brown and Bayless toured the cafe and spoke with current and past apprentices participating in the program.

"Businesses like the HOPE Café provide participants with the skills and support to re-enter the workforce as competitive employees who are able to live independently," said Senator Brown. "By providing tailored education programs for regional industry needs, we can ensure that all Ohioans are equipped with the skills for jobs of the 21st century."

Through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009, Hope Café received $123,985 in funding through the Community Action Partnership. Brown and Bayless were joined by HOPE Café Director Gale Hutchinson.

Hope Café opened in September 2009 as a small catering company to provide culinary skills and job training for homeless men and women to prepare them for jobs in the restaurant and service industries. Just two weeks ago, HOPE Café opened as a restaurant. When the apprentices graduate from the eight week program they receive assistance in finding jobs at local restaurants. 

                     

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