Coffee for a cause

CEBU, Philippines – Doing something for a noble cause has never been as endearing or as easy as having a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Indeed, that is an opportunity every customer gets at a new café in the historic Parian district of Cebu City. The café is a project in line with the advocacy of helping women survivors of abuse to claim their rights to a dignified future.

Shepherd's Heart Café is located right across the Heritage of Cebu Monument in Parian. It is a sustainable livelihood project initiative of the Good Shepherd Welcome House (GSWH) through the efforts of United States Peace Corps volunteer Amelia Kent and Roy Adam, an Australian volunteer. GSWH (http://gswh-cebu.org/) is a Cebu-based organization dedicated to aiding women and young girls who are victims of sex-trafficking and prostitution. It provides resources to help these women and children recover, re-integrate, and lead healthy, dignified lives.

The café is aimed at empowering GSWH beneficiaries by giving them decent work opportunities, as well as providing them with the necessary skills trainings. The project goes beyond simply being an income generating project; it is ultimately going to be a training facility for GSWH clients. The objective is to re-integrate center-based clients into the community.

The Shepherd's Heart Café initially opened on May 28 this year, with GSWH clients who had earlier undergone coffee-making and service trainings, among others, as the key force in the day-to-day operations. Volunteers Kent and Adam managed the café system. The café has since received several positive remarks and endorsements from various guests, including award-winning author Cecilia Manguerra Brainard and East West Café owner Hendri Go. In fact, Ms. Brainard donated the café's air-conditioning unit following her conversations with Kent and Adam.

What makes a visit to Shepherd's Heart Café even more special is the fact that their menu consists mainly of products by Filipinos.  In particular, the coffee beans are sourced from indigenous communities in Ifugao province. Many customers swear they've never tasted coffee this good at such an affordable price.

On September 8 the café had its grand opening, in time with the celebration of Mother Mary's birthday. It was attended by representatives of the Religious of the Good Shepherd community and other GSWH partner agencies. The guests sampled the café's products while enjoying conversations as they lounged in the homey area. The rattan-inspired interiors, courtesy of renowned local furniture designer Fernando Villarin, were very well complemented by the courteous service crew.

The Shepherd's Heart Café is now fully operational. Their menu offers a number of coffee choices, healthy grilled sandwiches, and special pastries, among others. The place is open from Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Inquiries, orders, and donations may be coursed through GSWH at (+63)(32)254-5598 or made directly at the café at the corner of Mabini and Zulueta Sts. in Parian, Cebu City.