People with intellectual and developmental disabilities are underemployed, even though many want to work and can work with the right support. In Canada, only about 1 in 4 adults with an intellectual disability are employed. 

The gap often starts early. While many teens build confidence through part-time jobs, youth with disabilities are less likely to get those same formative work experiences. By the time they graduate, often at 21, they are expected to “enter the workforce” without the practice their peers have already had.

That’s where Melly’s comes in.

Melly’s is a public café and market, and a training workplace. We help people build the fundamentals of working, in a way that fits their strengths, so they can contribute in their community for the long term.

🌱 Learn

Personal and workplace skills that employers expect, taught in clear, achievable steps.

🐛 Practice

Hands-on training in a real workplace, with coaching, feedback, and repetition that builds confidence and fluency.

🚀 Launch

Resume-building experience, references, and job-seeking fluency, plus ongoing job coaching as people move into employment beyond Melly’s.

Behind the scenes, Melly’s is a training workplace where real skills are built in real time.

We run a 6-month, hands-on curriculum for youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Apprentices move through a 3-stage hybrid learning experience that builds workplace confidence and capability, with dedicated coaches supporting each step. From routines and communication to pace, problem-solving, and professionalism, the learning is practical, personal, and designed to stick.

Our 6-month curriculum was built with employer input, so the skills are current, transferable, and aligned with real entry-level roles.

Apprentices can also apply for paid shifts in our café and market, gaining public-facing experience in a supportive environment. Those shifts turn learning into fluency and help apprentices build a track record they can carry into jobs across the community. The goal is clear: employment beyond Melly’s, with the right fit, supports, and momentum to succeed.

Every visit to Melly’s helps make that possible. Your coffee supports training, coaching, and paid opportunities that help apprentices grow, contribute, and thrive in a workplace that truly sees their strengths.

Can't make it in but want to support?

As a registered Canadian Charity, we accept donations and provide a charitable tax receipt. You can also support by purchasing our fresh, roasted-in-house coffee!