Sweet Heart Cafe: A Social Enterprise Pioneering Inclusion Through Employment

Sweet Heart Social Cafe, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at advancing the employment of individuals with disabilities, is currently grappling with a staffing shortfall.

"We currently have a nine-member team, four of whom are differently-abled," states Evelina Shaginova, the cafe's coordinator, in partnership with Business Partner.

Launched just this year, Sweet Heart Cafe operates with a dual mission: facilitating gainful employment opportunities for persons with disabilities while simultaneously fostering societal awareness around the topic of inclusion. "The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Our customers are genuinely thrilled to learn that we employ individuals with disabilities," remarks Shaginova.

The cafe came to fruition through a collaborative initiative spearheaded by Caritas of Georgia. Financial and logistical support were generously provided by Caritas Deutschland and the Polish Embassy in Tbilisi, enabling a complete refurbishment of the cafe's space, as well as its outfitting with essential furniture and equipment.

At present, the cafe delights its patrons with a menu featuring an assortment of pastries and burger-sandwich combinations.