Great Connections – Have your heard of the Peabody Cafe? 
November 27, 2019
Lodged on Main Street inside the recently opened Losier Hall on Water Street in Miramichi, you will find a real gem called the Peabody Café, named after the late Francis Peabody, founder of Chatham, New Brunswick.
There is something very unqiue about this little Café nestled in the heart of Miramichi.
Being a part of the communities where we operate is and has always been very important to us at Shannex, and the Peabody Café was a great opportunity to make those important connections at Losier Hall. Our goal was to find a non-for-profit organization to run the café, and that’s when M.O.R.E. Services stepped in to lend their services and expertise.
The local, non-for-profit organization assists and supports adults with intellectual disabilities. In addition to training in life skills, they provide assistance with building resumes, job searches, job preparation and on-the-job training to prepare for the workforce.
For M.O.R.E. Services’ Vocational Supervisor Esther Swaine, the Peabody Café is another fantastic opportunity for their team members to make great connections and socialize with others in the community and show their skills. “At M.O.R.E. Services, we have more than 60 individuals in our program,” said Ms. Swaine. “Our people truly are an asset in our community and through opportunities like this one, they get to show how valuable they are.”
Currently open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday, the Peabody Café provides full-time employment to three valuable individuals who, in addition to providing excellent customer service, learned to use a cash register, place orders and more.
But this is just the beginning for the Peabody Café, who’s already thinking about growth. Ms. Swaine anticipates a fourth full-time position could be created soon, with plans of expanding the café’s services to include a section for gifts and crafts.
So next time you visit or volunteer with Losier Hall residents, stop by the Peabody Café for delicious soups, sandwiches and fresh-baked goods. Rebecca, Jenny or Alex will be more than happy to serve you! You’ll be sure to make some Great Connections!
