Our Thyme Cafe’s new deck provides a place for customers to grab a fresh panini and a view of the harbour. More importantly, the new expansion helps the Elizabeth Fry Society-funded cafe educate and empower at-risk women who have been unable to enter the mainstream workforce. As a social enterprise the cafe’s main goal is to provide resources and services for women.

Their program offers training in culinary arts and helps women foster life skills,

“I think self -esteem is pivotal to the women moving forward at all,” says the cafe’s assistant manager Lynn Yetman.

The cafe’s new expansion has been well-received by customers, says Yetman. Further, it creates a safe space for the women to learn and work on issues such as literacy one-on-one with volunteers or cafe managers.

“It allows us to have a few extra women here who would not have fit into our regular program here at the front. That was primarily a reason for expansion,” says Yetman.

Our Thyme Cafe’s clam chowder is a hit with customers. But more than being a scrumptious, hearty meal, it helped one woman realize her own worth,

“It was amazing to see her come in and say she couldn’t do anything but clean and do dishes, and for her to start to make eye contact and feel stronger...These women do come in with so much to share, they just don’t identify it… so we’re able to help them with that and point out their own unique skills that they bring to the world,” says Yetman.

Alcoholism prevented Cindy Bishop from working for several years. The self-esteem and support network gained from working at Our Thyme has helped Bishop with her rehabilitation.

“There are people here who have gone down my path. We all share a lot in common. There are also women who are suffering from mental disorders. We are all here to build our self-esteem as well as life skills and hospitality,” says Bishop

The expansion at the cafe provided office space that puts to work her 30-plus years of secretarial and organizational experience. Bishop works very closely with Yetman and now works as assistant catering coordinator and office assistant.

Our Thyme provides support and accommodations for women to go to health or legal appointments and other services. This is part of how Our Thyme helps women emerge from the program overall ” stronger” and is something that a “mainstream work environment may not be able to provide,” says Yetman.

For example, Bishop, who was in conflict with the law for shoplifting in 2008, was able to meet with her parole officer and go to court without being penalized at work.

“They totally get that and support that. I’m surrounded by support” says Bishop. This is something that a “mainstream work environment may not be able to provide,” says Yetman.

Since the May expansion, 14 women have completed Our Thyme's rehabilitation program. ”Some can go out and find a job. Some need a little bit more time. They may go and come back or go on to another training program - it is ultimately just a process,” said Yetman.

This begs the question: is rehabilitation a revolving door?

As the interview wrapped up Bishop thanked me for listening to “The continuing saga.”

“Its all a journey,” she remarked.