The Transit Center in Altoona gets plenty of foot traffic and soon people can enjoy a new cafe that’s not only dishing up good food but a great cause.

Zoe Cafe is gearing up for its grand opening.

It’s partnered up with local stores to whip up healthy snacks like smoothies, crepes, sandwiches and a salad bar.

But Christie Jordan, Altoona Councilwoman, says it’s so much more than just a restaurant.

“I want people to know that this is a social enterprise,” Jordan said.

It’s a workplace for women who need a fresh start.
From recovering addicts, adjusting to life after incarceration, or becoming financially independent, Jordan said Zoe Cafe is designed to be a safe place to bounce back.

“I just want to give them a chance to gain employment, put it on their resume, gain job training,” Jordan said.

Employees will earn minimum wage and work for about 8-12 months.

“And then our goal is to position them back into the community working somewhere else,” Jordan said.

For Regina Taylor, this is a place of hope and she has some personal goals to achieve.

“Be a better mother, get off of welfare. And just support my kids,” Taylor said.

Each shift she’ll earn a pay check, but the items she’s selling help other women throughout the community.
Proceeds from the cafe will go towards a fund to open a women’s shelter.

“You are here because you are choosing to do something positive with your life,” Jordan said.

The goal is to raise about $40,000 to make that happen; reason enough for 15-year-old Shyannah Harper to be part of the cause.

“You shouldn’t have to be a certain age to help other people,” Harper said.

“This is more than just a job, it’s a home,” Taylor said.

“This project is just going to impact our community, the women are worth the fight. It hasn’t been easy but they have been worth just moving forward,” Jordan said.

Jordan hopes Zoe Cafe can open its doors by the end of this month or early September.