QUOTE(Philadelphia Inquirer)
An Internet cafe will open this summer in the Free Library's central branch, staffed by formerly homeless people and at-risk teens who have been trained by Project H.O.M.E.
The HOME Page Cafe, located in a hallway off the main lobby of Central Library at 1901 Vine St., will provide opportunities to develop job skills, while giving library patrons a great place to check e-mail and pick up a cup of coffee and pastry, said Daniel Fitzpatrick, president of Bank of America in Pennsylvania. The bank contributed $200,000 toward the project.
The idea has been in the works for several months, said Sister Mary Scullion of Project H.O.M.E, who noted that Metropolitan Bakery also will be supporting the project.
At first, Scullion said, the cafe will hire at least 12 part-time workers, offering training and benefits, with adults working weekdays and teens, weekends. "As the jobs turn over, we expect to hire 40 to 50 people over the course of the year."
The HOME Page Cafe, located in a hallway off the main lobby of Central Library at 1901 Vine St., will provide opportunities to develop job skills, while giving library patrons a great place to check e-mail and pick up a cup of coffee and pastry, said Daniel Fitzpatrick, president of Bank of America in Pennsylvania. The bank contributed $200,000 toward the project.
The idea has been in the works for several months, said Sister Mary Scullion of Project H.O.M.E, who noted that Metropolitan Bakery also will be supporting the project.
At first, Scullion said, the cafe will hire at least 12 part-time workers, offering training and benefits, with adults working weekdays and teens, weekends. "As the jobs turn over, we expect to hire 40 to 50 people over the course of the year."