Among the many positive things the Old School Cofé offers, it also serves as a recovery-to-work pathway for the wonderful graduates of the Field of Hope Residential Program.

Recovery to work is the process of helping individuals transition from treatment and recovery into meaningful, stable employment. For many people rebuilding their lives after addiction, finding a job can be one of the most important steps toward independence and long-term stability. Employment provides more than a paycheck—it can provide structure, purpose, financial security, social connection, confidence, and the opportunity to develop new skills. Research and recovery-focused employment programs recognize that meaningful work can be an important part of sustaining recovery and building a healthy future.

At the Old School Cofé, graduates of the Field of Hope Residential Program have the opportunity to gain real-world work experience in a supportive environment. They learn valuable skills, develop a work history, build their resumes, and gain the confidence that comes from being a dependable and valued member of a team. Employees have the opportunity to learn many aspects of the restaurant and coffee shop—from preparing food and beverages to serving customers, operating the register, maintaining a clean workspace, and working together as a team. The goal is not simply to provide someone with a job, but to help prepare them for the next step in their career and give them the foundation they need to succeed in the workforce.

For someone who may have gaps in their employment history or face barriers because of their past, that opportunity can be life-changing. The Old School Cofé gives women in recovery a chance to demonstrate who they are today—to build a resume, develop skills, earn income, establish a routine, and discover that they are capable, reliable, and valuable employees. It is one more way Field of Hope walks alongside women beyond residential treatment and helps them build a future rooted in recovery, purpose, and hope.

Want to learn more about the impact of the Old School Cofé? We invite you to read or listen to The Ohio Newsroom’s recent feature, “At the Old School Cofé, workers in recovery build resumes one entrée at a time.”