KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — (Original article by Lindsey Hart, KPEP) After the success and popularity of its Walnut & Park Café, the Kalamazoo Probation Enhancement Program, (KPEP), celebrated the launch of a second location with a grand opening event for community stakeholders on Friday, February 11.
The special event included remarks by KPEP President and CEO Bill DeBoer, and Executive Director of the 60th District Service office, Judy Paget, who was attending on behalf of State Representative Julie M. Rogers.
The second café is located in the retail complex at the new Harrison Circle Apartments on East Ransom Street in the River’s Edge District.
Like the original Walnut & Park, the new café is staffed largely by residents of KPEP, a community corrections provider based in Kalamazoo. Led by a management team, the staff members are students or graduates of the KPEP hospitality and culinary arts program, a rigorous 8-week vocational training program that equips men and women who have been incarcerated with job skills to live independently.
“The people of Kalamazoo have embraced Walnut & Park, and we are so grateful for that support,” said DeBoer. “We continue to look for ways to better our community, whether that is through building new businesses or building up individuals. When we have the opportunity to be part of a developing neighborhood like the River’s Edge District, that’s an added benefit.”
“As a former county commissioner and longtime supporter and patron of the original Walnut & Park Cafe, I am thrilled that another wonderful café is opening in Kalamazoo,” said Representative Julie M. Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) said. “This location will give interactive work experience to those who may need a little help. KPEP’s programs have been quite successful, and I congratulate them on another incredible restaurant.”
The new café can seat 32 and includes patio seating with a menu offering breakfast baked goods and a light lunch fare with a wide selection of wraps, sandwiches and snacks along with several barista favorites, made in house from scratch.
“It’s exciting to provide more job training opportunities for our residents and more choices for our patrons,” DeBoer added.
KPEP operates a variety of residential and non-residential programming designed to empower individuals to take personal responsibility and become independent, contributing members of society. The organization works closely with all aspects of the criminal justice system, including local law enforcement departments, the Bureau of Prisons, the Michigan Department of Corrections, probation and parole departments, as well as circuit court judges. The organization operates three facilities in Kalamazoo, plus facilities in Benton Harbor, Muskegon, Battle Creek and Paw Paw.
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