“We have a family atmosphere at The Refuge” said John Strawn, general manager of The Refuge restaurant and café . During my afternoon visit the staff and customer interaction was friendly and welcoming. The restaurant is owned and operated by Catholic Charities Community Services of Phoenix and through their Youth Vocational Training Program at The Refuge, they provide refugees and at risk youth job training skills.

I was eager to visit the Phoenix café and meet with Bianca Rivers, who is employed in their Youth Vocational Training Program, and who also happens to be a Fostering Advocates Arizona Board Member.

Danielle Heyer, Director of the Youth Training Program, got Bianca started in the program that offers young adults, ages of 19-23, a jump-start on job training and leadership skills to prepare them for long-term employment. Young adults earn wages while also learning and practicing customer service, budgeting, resume building, and interviewing.

“Our program is catered to each youth and we actively make an effort to provide program participants learning opportunities that fit with their needs and passions” said Heyer. For Bianca, the program was catered to her passion for baking. When Bianca began the program she was quiet and often kept to herself, but that didn’t last long. “After starting the program I realized that I’m actually very outgoing and funny, and I enjoy having conversations and building relationships with our customers” said Bianca.

Since the program’s beginning in 2014, The Refuge has employed 14 young people through collaboration with Valley youth-serving organizations. “We are a stepping stone and a resource for refugees and at risk youth,” said Heyer. “Once they leave our program we maintain contact with them. Our door is always open to alumni of our program, even if they are just coming for a visit and a cup of coffee”.