We’re truly grateful to anyone who wants to donate their time to Melly’s. Right now, we’re not able to bring on volunteers because our curriculum is extensive, and to give our apprentices the best experience, they need consistent support from the same people on a regular basis.

Please visit our Careers page to view current job postings and apply.

The S.T.E.P program is currently funded and delivered at no-cost to the individual. 

Apprentices must be 21 to join our six-month Interactive Development Program. Our S.T.E.P Forward for Teens program runs in the summer and is open to youth ages 16–21.

Please visit our program pages for the most up-to-date information. If you’d like to learn more, we recommend completing the application form and booking a tour with us.

Our Interactive Development Program is 6-months in length. Each apprentice attends 3 times per week, for 3 different sessions. Our S.T.E.P Forward for Teens program is 8 weeks in length. Those able to travel to Whitby are also invited to apply for paid work opportunities throughout the school year, developing their resume and work experience. 

Our 6-month Interactive Development program for those 21+ is : Each apprentice receives a new schedule each week with 3 different sessions. Each session has a different start time : 7am, 10am, 1pm. Apprentices must be available for all start times in order to access the entire curriculum. 

Our Summer Program for those 16-21 is: Sessions run four days a week, and each participant receives a personalized schedule that shifts throughout the summer to help them adjust to a typical work schedule and changing shifts.

The adult program is for those 21+. The Summer program is for those 16-21.

Candidates must want to work or be actively looking for work if they are not in school. They must also be able to work independently without needing direct supervision at all times. 

Right now, we’re always fundraising for equipment and the ongoing upkeep of our café and market. Our tools and machines see heavy daily use because they’re the primary way we train 100+ individuals each year.

You can support our equipment campaign through the donation page, donate via CanadaHelps, or reach us directly at info@mellysworkplace.ca

Yes. We roast in small batches every week, so your coffee is always fresh and flavour-forward.

Ordering online? Your bag ships shortly after roasting. And if you choose ground, we grind your coffee right before it leaves us, so it arrives ready to brew (and still tasting its best).

Yes, we do. We roast in-house and create our own carefully selected single-origin coffees and signature blends. We source green beans from small farms, and our apprentices are involved in every step of the process, from selection to roasting, so each bag supports meaningful, hands-on employment experience.

Buying our coffee directly supports paid, hands-on work experience for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through Melly’s.

Every bag helps fund inclusive training and real workplace practice in our café and market, where apprentices build job skills, confidence, and independence as they move toward paid employment in the community.

• Light roast: Bright, crisp, and more “tea-like” with fruity or floral notes. Great for pour-over and anyone who loves a lively cup.
• Medium roast: Balanced and smooth with a little sweetness and gentle acidity. The safest choice if you’re not sure, and great for drip and espresso.
• Dark roast: Bold, rich, and roasty with a heavier body and lower acidity. Ideal if you like a strong cup, especially with milk (lattes, cappuccinos) or French press.

Whole bean is best if you have a grinder, but if you’d like us to grind it for you, choose the option that matches your brewer:

• Espresso: Fine (for espresso machines and most stovetop Moka pots)
• Drip / Automatic coffee maker: Medium
• Pour-over (V60, Chemex): Medium
• French press: Coarse
• AeroPress: Medium (adjust slightly finer for stronger, slightly coarser for smoother)

If you’re not sure, pick Drip (medium). It’s the most versatile and works well for most home methods.

To keep your coffee tasting its best, store it airtight, cool, and dark.

• Keep it in its original bag (sealed tightly) or move it to an airtight container
• Store it in a cupboard away from heat, sunlight, and moisture
• Avoid the fridge (it adds moisture and can absorb odours)
• Only freeze coffee if you won’t use it within a few weeks: freeze in a well-sealed bag, and thaw once without refreezing

Best tip: buy whole bean and grind as you brew for maximum flavour and freshness.

Yes. You can absolutely send our coffee as a gift.

At checkout, add your recipient’s shipping address and include your message in the Order Notes section. We’ll tuck in a note with your wording and make sure the package is gift-ready (no pricing included).

Yes, we do. We offer wholesale for offices, cafés, and retail partners who want great coffee and want their purchasing to support meaningful employment opportunities at Melly’s.

To get started, reach out coffee@mellysworkplace.ca and tell us what you need (estimated volume, whole bean vs. ground, and your delivery location). We’ll send pricing, options, and next steps.