The Village Cookie Shoppe in Long Beach is one of Mental Health America of Los Angeles’ (MHALA’s) social enterprises and part of the organization’s Employment Services Program. Employees working at the shop are MHALA members seeking to achieve their best lives, including meaningful employment. As they prepare award-winning cookies and brownies, they learn valuable job skills and gain confidence to join the community’s workforce.
This fiscal year, The Village Cookie Shoppe has sales of nearly $60,000, which is nearly double from before the pandemic. That the shop has survived and thrived despite the challenges of the pandemic is a testament to the dedicated team that works there and its value to MHALA. The revenue raised by the shop helps to support the program. MHALA works to ensure that people with mental health needs achieve meaningful, healthy lives in their communities.
The Village Cookie Shoppe, an MHALA social enterprise, is an extension of that mission. Individuals enrolled in MHALA’s Employment Services Program may be employed by The Village Cookie Shoppe, where they learn valuable job skills that help move them closer to self-sufficiency. Employees receive three to four months of on-the-job training with the goal of placing them in part- or full-time employment within the local community.
Of the 60 members employed at The Village Cookie Shoppe last year, 50 went on to get full-time work in the community. This helped provide them with the structure, security, and income they need to thrive.
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