BERKELEY — A Berkeley coffee company is making it easier for refugees to find work with a new kiosk near the downtown BART station.
Every employee at the 1951 Coffee Company has arrived through the United States' formal refugee program, been granted asylum or held a special immigrant visas.
The downtown kiosk near BART's busy transit hub attracts continual customers, and allows for the opportunity to share stories with more people.
Ali Fiasi moved here from Afghanistan three years ago, and now works as a barista after going through the company's training program.
"When I came here I was looking for [a> job," Fiasi said to KCBS Radio. "It was really helpful for people who, like, don't have any experience but [want> to learn something new."
He's developed a special talent for the elaborate latte art formed by timing and directing the pour of steamed milk into a cup of espresso.
Doug Hewitt, a co-founder of 1951 Coffee, was inspired to establish the training by his previous experience working in refugee settlement where he saw the challenges faced by newcomers to the U.S.
"Working in a café allows you to interact with people day in and day out on their daily routine," he said. "And we knew that there's a path to build a career, especially here in the Bay Area."
Written by Jordan Bowen.
