The Advocate
Registered Canadian Charity
Social Enterprise
143+ youth and adults served in our programs
Melly’s is a registered Canadian charity.
838081552 RR 0001
100+
Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities gaining workplace and personal skills in our Interactive Development Program.
43+
Youth with disabilities stepping forward in our Summer Work Experience Program
81+
of our apprentices have received paid work at Melly's — and counting
27+
(and counting) employment opportunities for our apprentices in the community
8
Employers have collaborated with us to hire one or more of our graduates
$25,000
supporting disability-led businesses, and their products are available to shop in our market.
Donate today and help us build a better café, and a better pathway to work.
Thank you for investing in a workplace where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can learn, earn, and belong.
Training = Confidence = More opportunities.
What your gift supports
An apprentice might start by learning how to follow a checklist. With coaching and repetition, they move into real shift tasks like drink prep, packaging, or merchandising. Paid shifts turn practice into confidence.
120+ adults and youth served in our programs
“Keep the Coffee Flowing, Keep Opportunities Growing!
FAQ
What will my donation support?
Your gift helps us purchase and install AODA-accessible, commercial-grade equipment that keeps our café running smoothly and supports paid training shifts. Current priorities include an espresso machine, larger fridges and freezers, an under-counter fridge, a larger ice machine, and a market fridge.
What kinds of materials are included in program costs?
Program materials include supplies for hands-on training activities, visual supports and step-by-step prompts, job-readiness resources, tools for practice stations, and day-to-day items that keep learning and paid shifts running smoothly.
What makes Melly’s training different from other programs?
Melly’s is a public café and market and a living classroom. Apprentices learn skills, then practice them immediately with real customers and real workplace expectations, supported by coaching and clear progress tracking.
Can I donate in honour of someone or as a gift?
Yes. You can dedicate your donation in honour of someone. If you’d like us to notify them, include their name and email in the notes at checkout (or contact us after you donate).
Is my donation tax receiptable?
Yes. Melly’s is a registered Canadian charity and donations receive a tax receipt.
Who do your programs support?
Our programs support teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who want to enter, keep, and advance in the job market.
How do you measure progress and outcomes?
We use structured skill rubrics and coaching observations to track growth over time. Progress informs each apprentice’s next steps and the supports they need to build accuracy, stamina, independence, and confidence.
Does my donation support employment beyond Melly’s?
Yes. Our goal is community employment. Program funding supports skill-building and coaching, and we provide support after graduation as apprentices pursue opportunities with community employers.
Is this a one-time donation or recurring?
Both options are welcome. One-time gifts help us reach the purchase goal faster, and monthly gifts help us plan upgrades and ongoing maintenance.
Is my payment secure?
Yes. Checkout is processed through Shopify’s secure payment system.