Idea acf1432:

Honey & Tea Cafe

Posted October 18, 2009

• Posted by: Natalie Traviss
• Organization: The Refuge
• Location: Downtown Oshawa, Ontario
• Category: Promote Well-being
• Cost: Big ($50,000 – $250,000)

Help us BE THE CHANGE for Homeless youth in Oshawa!

Honey & Tea Cafe will provide EMPLOYMENT and mentorship for Homeless and street involved Youth in a family like business.

We will provide A CATALYST TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION for at RISK Youth, who NEED a HAND UP, not a Hand Out!

Honey & Tea Café is a unique social enterprise that not only seeks to provide employment opportunities for homeless and street involved youth but also to foster change through mentorship among the fatherless.

Today’s economy is posing an additional challenge for the already challenged lives of homeless and street involved youth. While many want to work and are seeking employment, in a community where thousands of jobs have been lost in the manufacturing industry, competition for any job is extremely tough. Many employers are choosing mature, seasoned line workers without even considering the potential of a street involved youth who wants to make a change. Furthermore, the lives that these youth have lived provide additional barriers to maintaining employment. 95% of the youth coming to The Refuge (a charitable organization that works with homeless and street involved youth in Oshawa and the Durham Region) have been physically or sexually abused. 70% were rejected by parents who no longer wanted them. Often the pain and suffering that these youth have experienced require a patient employer who is willing to help them work through their issues and give them chance after chance, provided progress is shown.

Honey & Tea Café is this employer who will link at risk staff with personal mentors who can become the much needed, positive supports in their lives.

As a social enterprise Honey & Tea Cafe will reinvest year end profits into three areas

Creating a profit-sharing model where youth who meet the requirements will divide this segment of the profits. The goal is to eventually hand over the management of the business to the youth who will exclusively run the business.

Create a pool of funds that would be used as start-up capital for other social-enterprises in the Durham Region that are based on the same principles of Honey & Tea Café. By voting for this idea, you will be helping not only with the creation of Honey & Tea Café but also other similar ideas that become self-funding and self-sustaining.

Provide a revenue stream for The Refuge to become more of an impact and agent of change for homeless and street involved youth in the Durham Region.

City developers state that there is a growing need for food and beverage establishements in downtown Oshawa. With the expansion of the university into the downtown core, the opening of the regional court house, the launch of a new student housing high-rise project, all of which will occur in 2010, the time is NOW for Honey & Tea Café.

This model of incentive based mentorship has an 85% success rate in similar ventures, where affected youth return to school or secure full time employment.

Everyone deserves the right to work and earn a living, but few are willing to employ homeless youth!

At Honey & Tea Cafe we will work with youth on their level, considering their unique challenges, without compromising service to our guests, so that youth are set up to win. Honey & Tea Cafe will be a stepping stone for broken individuals to rebuild their dreams and self esteem.

Please vote for Honey & Tea Cafe; help us To Be the Change for Homeless Youth in Durham!

• 

  Honey & Tea Cafe
  Honey & Tea Cafe is an employment opportunity for homeless and at risk youth to prepare them for a better future. PLEASE VOTE FOR HONEY & TEA CAFE AND HELP US BE THE CHANGE FOR HOMELESS YOUTH IN OSHAWA!!!
  October 19, 2009 @ 12:48 PM

  
  

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• Maggz20

  sounds like an AMAZING plan. i will do my best to vote as often as possible. keep up the awesome work !! (:
  October 20, 2009 @ 3:55 PM EST

  
  

• batsirai

  Ok - the top idea has about 1800 votes - not that much - let's get the word out. Ask/beg people who dont even live in Oshawa but who like you to vote.
  October 20, 2009 @ 10:08 PM EST

  
  

• Dina

  things are coming together babe. This is going to be awesome. I have a good group of people I am holding accountable to vote everyday. :)
  October 21, 2009 @ 8:04 AM EST

  
  

• Honey & Tea

  THANK YOU to all my friends for voting, spreading the word, and shareing the video with others. Keep up the Great work!
  October 21, 2009 @ 2:56 PM EST

  
  

• JessCoburn

  Good Luck Nat! :) xo
  October 21, 2009 @ 5:21 PM EST

  
  

• cathycumming

  "Our youth are the future Leaders of our Country",this Quote has been used thousands of times by thousands of Politicians.Right now we have the chance of giving a helping hand to those that have been rejected.By doing so we also vote for ourselves by making them Responsible citizens held accountable by their Mentors.This is the perfect Atmosphere in which to put our Youth,where they can see Lawyers and Judges as Role Models not Advasaries.This will be there time to dream of a better Future made possible by the Honey and Tea Cafe.Kathy Cumming
  October 21, 2009 @ 7:23 PM EST

  
  

• Spinner

  Way to go. We can also make this fully accessible for all to use.
  October 21, 2009 @ 7:53 PM EST

  
  

• luivargas

  we support you Nat! Your idea is AMAZING!
  October 22, 2009 @ 4:08 PM EST

  
  

• Rob H

  Good luck! I'll keep voting for you :)
  October 22, 2009 @ 4:59 PM EST

  
  

• EricEricEric

  This is incredible! Keep it going!
  October 22, 2009 @ 6:05 PM EST

  
  

• OlgaHerbert

  I'll vote as much as I can! This is FANTASTIC for Oshawa..YOU GO GIRL!
  October 22, 2009 @ 8:48 PM EST

  
  

• Danica

  Awesome idea!! I'll vote as often as I can!
  October 22, 2009 @ 8:51 PM EST

  
  

• W.I.N.G.S.

  Awesome Natalie!!! Great idea and much needed in our region... Blessings...
  October 23, 2009 @ 1:01 AM EST

  
  

• Pbrown

  We are all there with you Girlie. Go for it.
  October 23, 2009 @ 7:56 AM EST

  
  

• nathang

  Love it!!!!
  October 23, 2009 @ 6:53 PM EST

  
  

• Kyle

  A really great and sustainable idea. Awesome!
  October 26, 2009 @ 12:43 AM EST

  
  

• jesuslover

  great idea, praying for you
  October 27, 2009 @ 3:00 AM EST

  
  

• caitlynlacey

  This is such an amazing idea!!! I know a lot of the teens/young adults downtown, so its amazing to see that this will soon be available to them. Natalie, you are a blessing... will have to get in touch with you... to see where i can help.
  October 27, 2009 @ 2:48 PM EST

  
  

• sarahkristi

  I hope you get this!!! what an amazing plan!
  October 27, 2009 @ 2:53 PM EST

  
  

• touchworld

  I can see that you have put alot of great thoughts into this idea. I would agree that there is a need to get people that feel like they have fallen off the grid a means of getting back on. To bring positivity to their and our lives. Sometimes all it takes is a person who actually cares about people. Not so concerned about their own personal gains, to make a difference or change.
  October 27, 2009 @ 9:06 PM EST

  
  

• melinda

  I am praying that you get this and keep up the great work you are amazing!
  October 27, 2009 @ 10:42 PM EST

  
  

• LMac

  Well done Natalie! I'm voting for you girl
  October 27, 2009 @ 11:09 PM EST

  
  

• W.I.N.G.S.

  Natalie, when God places you in faith-stretching spots, remember who He is: the LORD, the sovereign I Am. Recall what He's done in the past, what He has promised to do and what He is able to do since He is God. He will make it all happen for you and I am excited to see the changes that will happen in the Durham Region through your ministry. Bless you...
  October 28, 2009 @ 11:31 AM EST

  
  

• guitar4Him

  Hey Nat~ In voting for Honey & Tea cafe I know I'm actually casting a vote for the Promise of a Future for someone that quite possibly would not otherwise be given a chance to transition into society in a productive way. We need Hope in this town... We need good alternatives to yesterday's predictables..We need solid young women and men to say "Yes, we can!!" And so, we will! This was referred to a city that "Motivates", yet somehow we "Isolated" many,....It's time to "Initiate" positive change...Intigrate those who got lost in the shuffle and "Stimulate" that sector of society we so quickly over-rode...Thank you for believing they deserve a chance. I share your passion. I love this city! May God's Grace cover you. Joyc'
  October 28, 2009 @ 10:19 PM EST

  
  

• Nicole A.

  Job well done Natalie, well researched with all the promise of success!
  October 29, 2009 @ 9:24 AM EST

  
  

• Pappaw

  You will see the fruit of your labour - for the next and many generations...
  October 29, 2009 @ 3:38 PM EST

  
  

• HisGrace

  Gods love can make a difference, and nothing is impossible for him, and this place will change lives, the people that work there and the people that come in, his glory will be exalted and his light will shine from a cafe that not only fills your belly, but give people hope for a brighter future. My prayer is that Gods will be done, and our faith is increased watching him do his wonders, Love you so much Nat, and not worried because to trust our God, we know that in the end it will be great!!!!
  October 29, 2009 @ 6:51 PM EST

  
  

• jacob 22

  This is what this region needs. A way for the youth to pull themselve, with the help of others, out of their situation and into a positive change. Ignoring them wil not solve the problem, action needs to happen, much like this. I am such a fan of the refuge and everything they do. God bless.
  October 30, 2009 @ 10:04 PM EST

  
  

• elishamk88

  I hope you win! You are a blessing to the community and a light in a dark place. May the Lord be with you and guide you in all your ways and in this path. :) Thank-you for what you are doing. Its great, and inspiring to see someone actually doing something about these issues that youth face everyday... God Bless.
  November 1, 2009 @ 9:40 PM EST

  
  

• dawson

  this is a fantastic idea.keep up the good work
  November 2, 2009 @ 7:43 PM EST

  
  

• dawson

  keep on pushing it
  November 2, 2009 @ 7:45 PM EST

  
  

• Peet

  Great idea. Let's get Durham motivated to support and vote.
  November 3, 2009 @ 6:26 AM EST

  
  

• W.I.N.G.S.

  VOTING for change in DURHAM REGION..."BE PREPARED TO BE AMAZED"...blessings marion
  November 3, 2009 @ 10:24 AM EST

  
  

• Rev. Daniel Christian Zylstra

  Awesome, awesome, awesome! If there's anyway I can help, let me know! Google Zion CRC, Oshawa, and you'll find me. :-) We've been running a food bank here in Oshawa for years, and have several folks involved in the Refuge and the Gate from our church--this sounds like a fantastic IDEA! God bless!
  November 3, 2009 @ 11:06 AM EST

  
  

• Papajoe

  An excellent idea !!! Someone said, Charity begins at home. A vast Missionfield right in our own Backyard. God Bless this Project and those who are involved in it.
  November 3, 2009 @ 2:28 PM EST

  
  

• dawson

  May God bless yhis great idea
  November 3, 2009 @ 5:15 PM EST

  
  

• jackie

  God gave you this vision. You were obedient to follow His leading. Now watch and see everything unfold before you. Continue to TRUST HIM. May the blessings of the Lord be with you.
  November 3, 2009 @ 10:54 PM EST

  
  

• Brownie5

  I really like the idea. Great video promo too!
  November 4, 2009 @ 7:04 AM EST

  
  

• jenn.dorsey8

  Natalie, I can see your heart for this project... May God continue to bless you and your project... in Jesus name. Jenn
  November 4, 2009 @ 3:49 PM EST

  
  

• ronmurdock

  No comment at this stime I am proceeding with cauthion
  November 4, 2009 @ 7:07 PM EST

  
  

• angie

  Natalie, You have my daily vote and prayers. I only met you once with Rick but saw your passion in what you are doing. Keep the faith! Follow your passion!
  November 4, 2009 @ 9:26 PM EST

  
  

• vicctoriaa

  keep goiing nat yuor doing awesome
  November 4, 2009 @ 10:22 PM EST

  
  

• Anita

  Sounds like a wonderful idea for the Oshawa Area. Don't give up on your dreams Natalie!
  November 5, 2009 @ 8:47 AM EST

  
  

• dallash

  Don't know the area you are talking about, but what matters is the fact you are helping someone. wish you all the success in the world and God Bless.
  November 5, 2009 @ 12:40 PM EST

  
  

• ck123

  You have my support and prayers!!
  November 5, 2009 @ 8:40 PM EST

  
  

• dawson

  every time I read it, I just ask God to bless you to get this started. So you can spread God's word
  November 5, 2009 @ 8:59 PM EST

  
  

• rick

  Absolutely and incredible idea - bringing hope to the hopeless...sounds like Jesus to me!
  November 6, 2009 @ 3:15 PM EST

  
  

• dudley.wilso

  If God is for it who can be against it. I'm praying for you
  November 6, 2009 @ 8:28 PM EST

  
  

• Stage Fright

  People need some sense of where to go, how to get there and appreciation for work well done and this idea will bring that to the people that need it the most! I think this is a terrific idea!! Natalie, you are a fabulous young lady and good for you for reaching out and making such a great effort to help people in need. Big hugs!
  November 7, 2009 @ 4:16 PM EST

  
  

• Janice

  What a great way to help these young people laern the skills to make it. These are kids who are trying after a life of being beaten down. I hope everyone will lend them a hand.
  November 8, 2009 @ 3:26 PM EST

  
  

• Ramana

  Good idea.
  November 8, 2009 @ 6:44 PM EST

  
  

• Sean

  I would love to learn more about this...how do I get more information? seanmcmanus07@hotmail.com
  November 8, 2009 @ 10:18 PM EST

  
  

• JMDesign

  I heard about this at church on Sunday.
  November 9, 2009 @ 9:08 AM EST

  
  

• Margie xo

  Natalie, Carl said the food was great!! You go girl!!
  November 9, 2009 @ 2:54 PM EST

  
  

• embassygal

  Thank God for people like you! God bless you!
  November 9, 2009 @ 11:23 PM EST

  
  

• bubbly

  This is a great opportunity for these youth to feel wanted and important. We will pray for the whole process.
  November 10, 2009 @ 1:53 PM EST

  
  

• dawson

  I am totally behind you. God bless you all at the refuge
  November 10, 2009 @ 5:27 PM EST

  
  

• BJ & Ross

  Fantastic idea! You are making a way for our homeless youth to gain social determinants of health and make a difference. Both community and youth win!
  November 10, 2009 @ 10:14 PM EST

  
  

• guitar4Him

  Nat~ Heard this recently & it inspired me...thought you would appreciate the wisdom here also.."Do not focus on the journey, rather see yourself having already arrived at your destination..." Faith. Let's walk in it!
  November 11, 2009 @ 9:33 AM EST

  
  

• abelzwart

  You sure deserve to win this round, Natalie. Your soul is so tuned to helping others. I think that's great.
  November 11, 2009 @ 10:17 AM EST

  
  

• LMac

  I'm still cheering for you Natalie!
  November 12, 2009 @ 11:58 AM EST

  
  

• darla

  Nat with God leading you no one can be against you. what a great direction you are heading. Love you and i know u will succeed/
  November 12, 2009 @ 4:34 PM EST

  
  

• MC Stretch

  Hi Natalie - I'm trying to remember to visit Aviva daily and vote. Best wishes! - Mark La Flamme aka. MC Stretch
  November 12, 2009 @ 8:46 PM EST

  
  

• Honey & Tea

  Thank you everyone. I am so blessed with so many friends, and co-labourers in this Effort. A million thanks, Grace, and Peace. Love Nat
  November 12, 2009 @ 10:03 PM EST

  
  

• GlowBear

  This is what every town needs. The way we are loved is how we go into the world. The homeless and abused children need to be shown what love really is...they are the future! I will donate "Glow Bears" for your store or for a fundraiser. A child without a Dream or hope is a child destined for trouble. Blessings, Tim
  November 13, 2009 @ 9:05 AM EST

  
  

• GlowBear

  This is what every town needs. The way we are loved is how we go into the world. The homeless and abused children need to be shown what love really is...they are the future! I will donate "Glow Bears" for your store or for a fundraiser. A child without a Dream, hope or love is a child destined for trouble. Blessings, Tim
  November 13, 2009 @ 9:06 AM EST

  
  

• Xcat

  A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love. I like what you are doing... Thank you.
  November 13, 2009 @ 5:01 PM EST

  
  

• central

  Amazing God can do awesome things when people work together-People Unite for displaced Youth
  November 13, 2009 @ 8:18 PM EST

  
  

• dawson

  I am praying about this awesome idea. Many youth can benifit from this God bless you!
  November 13, 2009 @ 10:21 PM EST

  
  

• Jesse

  Hi Natalie - Thank you for sharing your heart today! The food was amazing! I support you with my votes and prayers so you will get this grant to help young people in Oshawa. It only takes one individual to make a difference... thank you for having the vision and pursuing it! God Bless!
  November 13, 2009 @ 10:22 PM EST

  
  

• mlamb

  this is much needed in our city.....bless you for taking up the challenge.
  November 14, 2009 @ 10:38 AM EST

  
  

• MC Stretch

  Philippians 1:27 reads: "Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ..." Great work Natalie & friends! Let's make this dream a reality. Don't forget to VOTE, VOTE, VOTE!
  November 14, 2009 @ 1:21 PM EST

  
  

• jackie

  This is just the beginning, Natalie. The Lord has trusted you with little, you have been faithful, now expect much. This Ministry He gave you will touch the lives of many. May you continue to seek His Vision in this and see what He will do through you.
  November 15, 2009 @ 7:38 AM EST

  
  

• ify

  Great Idea!!!best wishes
  November 15, 2009 @ 1:19 PM EST

  
  

• darla

  God is with you Nat and he will guide you and your mission. What a wonderful cause you are giving to those in need. Love Aunt Darl
  November 15, 2009 @ 1:53 PM EST

  
  

• writeup

  This is exciting. How wonderful for these youth to be given a chance to move out of difficult circumstances. Bless you for making a way for them.
  November 15, 2009 @ 4:01 PM EST

  
  

• carol

  Natalie, you know the wrist bands that read WWJD well you are doing just what Jesus would do . I pray His perfect will be done.Love in Jesus
  November 15, 2009 @ 4:58 PM EST

  
  

• Watrfall

  Best Wishes Natalie!! Love your second cousin, Debbie xoxo
  November 15, 2009 @ 7:35 PM EST

  
  

• dfrenel

  a few minutes left, good luck!
  November 15, 2009 @ 11:16 PM EST

  
  

• W.I.N.G.S.

  ROUND 3...come on Guys lets VOTE and Get this great cause into the Semi's....
  November 16, 2009 @ 1:24 AM EST

  
  

• eagle

  Goodmorning Natalie: I Iove your idea ,you are a Ray of Radiant Light that comes down from the open Heavens to illuminate on you ,what God has for your future. Natalie , the first time I meant you at my . ,GODS home ,,was a time of sharing our blessings, grace, and favor,that has chased you down Natalie for your destiny. PRAISE GOD. Honey and Tea, I declare in Jesus Name is, and will set the captives free, that freedom is showering down on all these beautiful young men and women as you welcome them in to Gods Business , for all the world to see . What a compassionate and selfless calling on your life, my dear one. You GO GIRL... ARISE SPIRIT, ARISE SPIRIT . SHALOM
  November 16, 2009 @ 8:44 AM EST

  
  

• Linda T

  Great idea!
  November 16, 2009 @ 9:26 AM EST

  
  

• spirit46

  Good luck Natalie..I am praying & voting for you.
  November 16, 2009 @ 10:08 AM EST

  
  

• Michele

  Hey Girl! I am so proud of you!! It is obvious that the Lord's hand is all over you. Your "Little Light" is just GLOWING! Believe and be strong in the Lord. Always remember to "Ask" but never forget to take the time to "Listen" Be careful not to get too busy to wait for and hear that still quiet voice that so often, many of us miss. Rest Well and Continue to be led by the Lord and IT will be done! I believe in you darlin'. May blessings pour over you and this project. God`s Speed! Michele xo
  November 16, 2009 @ 10:33 AM EST

  
  

• p-unit

  good luck Nat!!
  November 16, 2009 @ 8:58 PM EST

  
  

• angie

  Hi Natalie, We're still with you. Keep your spirits up. Persistence pays off. So does faith. You have both! I am telling all my friends how good the food and beverage is at Honey & Tea. I think everyone should have to taster the squash soup. They would be hooked for life. Blessings & Prayers, Angie
  November 16, 2009 @ 11:47 PM EST

  
  

• currey

  I want to support you. Where is your cafe? God bless you and this enterprize. Sharon
  November 17, 2009 @ 9:07 AM EST

  
  

• fish

  Great idea! It's my pleasure to vote that this dream becomes a reality in Oshawa and that other cities, like Peterborough, will follow in your footsteps. God bless you!
  November 18, 2009 @ 11:21 AM EST

  
  

• dawson

  God began a good work in you and will complete it
  November 21, 2009 @ 7:01 PM EST

  
  

• killerpooh

  Great idea ! Will watch and pray for you and the kids as this is just what we need downtown . I have had bus. downtown for a number of years and it is a diamond in the ruff . Ideas like this will help it shine again.
  November 22, 2009 @ 3:32 PM EST

  
  

• koolio

  Voted!
  November 22, 2009 @ 7:01 PM EST

  
  

• PenyW

  We believe in you and your idea Natalie... This is a brilliant Idea!!! I've spread the word to friends out on the west coast (originally from this area), and they are supporting you...and recruiting a few of their friends. It pays to tell a 'loud mouth'!!
  November 23, 2009 @ 8:50 AM EST

  
  

• Ambrose

  Voted, what a great idea! Nat you're awesome. Best of luck, you'll rock this! xo
  November 23, 2009 @ 1:14 PM EST

  
  

• LMac

  Still rooting for you girl!
  November 23, 2009 @ 7:03 PM EST

  
  

• W.I.N.G.S.

  Natalie "trust Him". He holds you in the palm of His hand and breathes "DESTINY" upon you. You are a daughter of DESTINY and many will come to realize their destiny through your ministry and your heart for the Lord. Bless you and believe in you and all that He has put inside of you... Marion
  November 24, 2009 @ 9:57 AM EST

  
  

• central

  durham's discarded generation, possibly drugs, miscommunication, stray dogs and cats get more love VOTE PEOPLE--STAND UP FOR THOSE WHO CAN'T
  November 25, 2009 @ 11:50 AM EST

  
  

• Hope

  Great idea - remember God guides us in everything we do!
  November 25, 2009 @ 12:59 PM EST

  
  

• takart

  Super idea, lets hope it will proceed whether it wins or not. This is a social and save concept.
  November 25, 2009 @ 9:58 PM EST

  
  

• Tricia

  Sounds like a great project. Good luck to you.
  November 25, 2009 @ 10:23 PM EST

  
  

• MC Stretch

  For words of encouragement read: Psalms 27:14 & 37:7 Hosea 12:6 Isaiah 40:13 Jeremiah 29:11-13 Philippians 1:6 & 4:13 Dear Natalie - BLESSINGS be upon you and this project! Sing-cerely, Mark La Flamme aka. MC Stretch
  December 4, 2009 @ 3:56 AM EST