Newsflash

*

Newsflash *

Community Shorts Interview with Marc Taschereau

Take an inside look at COCO’s operations, staff experiences, and community impact. It captures heartfelt stories and COCO’s dedication to creating a supportive environment for individuals of all abilities.

COCO Cafe Feature in Take 5

Date: November 2024
Link: View the magazine

Take 5 Magazine (See Page 41) featured COCO Cafe, highlighting its commitment to community service and inclusive employment. The article delves into the cafe's initiatives, challenges, and the unwavering support from the local community. It showcases the cafe's role as a beacon of hope and inclusivity in Cedar.

A man with glasses and a beard smiling while mixing ingredients in a metal bowl in a kitchen or cafe setting, wearing a black T-shirt with yellow logo and text. There are various kitchen items on the table, including bottles and utensils, with large refrigerators in the background.

COCO Cafe Reopens with Sharpened Mandate

Date: March 24, 2023
Link: Read the full article

After nearly a dozen years of community service, COCO Cafe temporarily closed its doors for two months to better serve its employees and customers. General Manager Marc Taschereau emphasized the need to refocus on their core mission: providing employment and socialization opportunities to people of varying abilities. COCO introduced a streamlined menu and underwent an interior facelift, transitioning from a co-operative to a charitable society. The community's response was overwhelmingly positive, with customers returning in droves based on word of mouth.​

Exterior of a coffee shop named 'Coco Cafe' with a sign showing a coffee cup logo, large windows, gravel pathway, outdoor seating with chairs, and bushes in front of the window. The sky is partly cloudy.

COCO Cafe Offers Free Meals to Those in Need

Date: November 22, 2023
Link: Read the full article

COCO Cafe launched the "Food for Friends and Families" initiative, offering free meals to those struggling to make ends meet. Staff members, many with diverse abilities, are donating their time and resources to support this program. Customers can pick up pre-paid meal receipts displayed on a wall and enjoy a complimentary meal, fostering a sense of community and support during challenging times. Plans are underway to expand the program by providing pre-prepared takeaway meals in collaboration with local grocers.

A smiling woman holding a plate with sandwiches inside a cafe.

Podcast Feature: 'Everyone Who's In Here Is Happy'

Date: December 15, 2023
Link: Listen to the episode

In this heartwarming podcast episode, People First Radio visits COCO Cafe to share the stories behind its inclusive mission. Hear from team members, family supporters, and leadership about how the cafe empowers individuals with disabilities - and why it’s become such a valued part of the Cedar community.

Two young men standing inside a coffee shop, smiling at the camera. The man on the left has light skin, blond hair, glasses, and is wearing a black collared shirt. The man on the right has light skin, dark hair, and is wearing a beige t-shirt with a red and black plaid shirt over it. The background features a chalkboard menu and a red fire extinguisher on the wall.