Arboretum Coffee is celebrating its first anniversary, not just as a coffee shop, but as a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping immigrants and refugees start fresh lives in northern Colorado.
Claudine “Allie” Petit, a barista originally from Haiti, moved to Colorado about six months ago. She said that language was the biggest challenge she faced after arriving in July. Allie, who speaks Creole as her first language and French as her second, remembers how difficult it was to speak in English at first. “I could only say a few words before running out of things to say,” she recalled.
Thanks to the support and practice at Arboretum Coffee, Allie has grown more confident in both her language skills and her coffee-making abilities. “This place feels like my second home,” she said.
Hannah Norris, the executive director of Arboretum Coffee, was instrumental in creating the nonprofit. “Our goal is to connect refugees, immigrants, and locals,” Norris said. “We want to celebrate everyone and help them grow and learn.”
Arboretum Coffee offers a 12-month apprenticeship program for newcomers to the area. The program helps participants navigate the complex issues of work authorization, visas, and cultural adaptation.
While Allie’s future remains a work in progress, she has big dreams. She hopes to return to school and eventually become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). For now, Arboretum Coffee continues to provide her with the foundation to build a new life in her new home.
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