Maud's Café iin Salt Lake City provides training opportunities for formerly homeless young people (Photo: Volunteers of America)
SALT LAKE CITY — Maud’s Cafe opened its doors on Monday at 422 W 900 S in Salt Lake City for the first time in almost a year. More than a cafe, Maud’s provides a job training opportunity for young people staying at the Volunteers of America Youth Resource Center next door. The interns at Maud’s learn the art of serving customers as well as how to make coffee and sandwiches over 13-week internships.
When the COVID-19 pandemic began a year ago, Maud’s simply had to close its doors. For the past six months, service there has been take-out only. But the dining room is now open so interns can take full advantage of their training opportunities.
“It’s just an opportunity for all of our interns to get a leg up,” said Geoff Doiron, Director of Development for Volunteers of America – Utah. “[To] have an opportunity and learn responsibility and skillsets.”
Doiron proudly pointed out that four of Maud’s current interns have recently found places of their own to live, and they’re now paying rent. He called that a “gigantic success.”
As of Monday, Maud’s will be open Monday through Friday from 7 am to 5 pm.