Some business only care about profits, putting them over people. Other businesses seek to empower people, generating profits along the way.
The latter is the case at the La La Land Kind Café in Dallas, Texas. One of its goals is to hire employees that are in need, such as those that have aged out of the Texas foster care system. So far, they’ve hired nine workers this way – struggling kids after turning 18.
A lot of foster kids end up with nowhere to go after being forced out of their temporary homes. A common reality is ex-foster children ending up on the streets after their foster home stint. Fortunately, La La Land Kind Café has come to the rescue.
According to Good News Network, Francois Reihani, a 24-year-old entrepreneur, came up with the idea after attending a local nonprofit informational meeting regarding foster children and the reality they face. Francois wanted a safe haven and place to give people opportunities to prosper.
In an interview with CBS, Reihani states, “We’re not in the business of coffee, we just serve coffee—we’re definitely in the business of kindness.” He goes on to say, “We have a duty to our society to help the ones who are in need.”
Ciara Morton is a particularly positive case, stating to CBS, “I have people to believe in me and support me. I’ve never had that kind of support in my life. So I’ve been able to believe in myself, and realize what I want in life and chase after it.” She mentions that the experience has been life-changing, overcoming depression and homelessness after joining the work team.
Ciara has had a rough past. She recalls being sexually abused by her father at the age of 15 – she even breaks out into tears during the interview. But now as a member of La La Land, Ciara can’t help but smile.
It’s safe to say that Ciara would not be doing as well if not for Reihani and his establishment. He has given a handful of people a new start in life. Previously disenfranchised individuals are his specialty. La La Land serves as a sanctuary of sorts, where people can start over, contributing to something great without having to worry about the problems of the past.
Props to Francois for his unique, prospering business model. He’s been taking people that society has forgotten and giving them a much deserved chance and new home, fitting them with the tools to prosper. He’s undoubtedly changing people’s lives, all the while providing some amazing coffee. More businesses should strive to be like La La Land Café, putting people first and making profits as a result.
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