Every month, we partner with a local nonprofit to collect donations through rounding up at the register. Our June Change Matters partner is Wildflyer Coffee.
Wildflyer Coffee
wildflyer coffee’s mission
A nonprofit social enterprise, Wildflyer supports youth ages 16-24 experiencing homelessness and housing instability through employment opportunities alongside skill-building programs. Founded on the principle of offering more than just employment, Wildflyer works to provide a stable environment that provides both earnings and personal growth. Their two coffee shops serve as both retail spaces and training sites, teaching youth job skills and integrating direct employment focused on essential practical skills. This model prepares trainees for both professional advancement and personal growth.
4-month training model
Wildflyer’s training model takes place over the course of four months and focuses on building personal and professional skills necessary to land and maintain stable employment. Every month employees learn hard and soft skills, have regular check-ins with dedicated support staff, and focus on self-reflection.
Month one: learn the menu, register, and POS (point of sale) system; take a customer service workshop; evaluate job-readiness through self-review.
Month two: train on the coffee bar, receive education on mental health in the workplace, and a workshop on financial wellness; meet one on one with an employment counselor to discuss career and education
Month three: build specialized barista skills; training in resume building and mock interviews
Month four: participate in workshop on networking and future employment options.
Throughout the training students are supported by trained staff and counselors to help them establish achievable goals, coordinate resources, and face any challenges to employment like vital documents, mental health, and basic needs.
wildflyer’s alumni program
Once youth have graduated from the training, Wilderflyer’s Alumni Program works with local employers to nurture their continued professional growth. They do this through one on one support in resume and job coaching, skill development workshops, and financial support like a monthly “stability stipend” and transportation gift cards.
coffee blends inspired by graduates
Wildflyer’s coffee shops are located off major public transit routes for easy access from many areas of the Twin Cities. In Minneapolis on Minnehaha Avenue & 33rd St. E, and in St. Paul on West 7th Street and Scheffer Ave. Whole bean coffees are available on their website, several of which are inspired by graduates. The light roast Peruvian and Guatemalan blend “City Lights” is accompanied by an achingly raw poem about the harsh realities these youth face daily. This is an excerpt from “City Lights” by Vee McKenzie. Read the full poem here.
how to support wildflyer
Find out more at wildflyercoffee.com, or on social @WildflyerCoffee
Want to support their work? Donate here
Shop their coffee and fun merch!
Or attend their “Brewing Brighter Futures” fundraiser on Wednesday 6/17!