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Cafe 41:11 has a mission: Give teens a refuge, help with ups, downs of life
By Kim Hone-McMahan
Beacon Journal staff writer
Published on Sunday, Jul 05, 2009
Perhaps it's the sign posted by the outside door warning against littering, smoking, illegal drugs, alcohol or the donning of gang colors. Or maybe it's the Post-it note above the crock of beef vegetable soup that reads, ''Please thank God for the food. It comes from Him.''
The purpose of Cafe 41:11 is to reach out to people between the ages of 13 and 26. That mission is made simpler because of its location — directly across the street from Norton High School.
It's a safe hangout where students play board games, chat with their friends and are fed things like ramen noodles, hot dogs, macaroni and cheese and donated bakery products. The cost? Free.
''This is a gospel of hospitality,'' said founder Tom Walkley.
Volunteers listen to what is troubling the teens and young 20-somethings. Some are at risk of homelessness, drug use and crime. Others simply need a place where they feel they belong.
When school is in session, Cafe 41:11 draws up to 350 kids a week. While it's slower in the summer, there are still plenty of things happening.
There's a mentoring program in which the guys work on a farm and the girls learn culinary skills and a thing or two about marketing items they have created.
''This is a place where I can come whenever I have a problem,'' said Michael Watkins, a Barberton 15-year-old active in the mentoring program. ''And it's a calm place where I can just get away.''
Mentoring coordinator Lee Bradford, who is a certified reading specialist, helps those in the program with special needs. Walkley assists those who need legal services.
What's in a name
The name of the nonprofit cafe, which operates with support from churches and private donors, has a dual reference to the address on South Cleveland-Massillon Road and to Job 41:11 — ''Who has a claim against Me that I must pay? Everything under heaven belongs to Me.''
Walkley, an attorney, purchased the building more than 20 years ago. Little did he know that someday, rather than housing professional offices, it would be a spot where the spiritual needs of young patrons would be met.
But he also couldn't have predicted the stock market crash of 2008 and the recession. Currently, the spacious building is in foreclosure. And if it's bothering Walkley, he doesn't let it show.
''It's true, we need help,'' he said, glancing out a window at the school across the street. ''But God has a plan for us.''
Since Walkley was young, he's wanted to do something for others — particularly those who are disabled or underprivileged. But it wasn't until Feb. 2, 1999, that the notion became more than a simple desire.
Torn over a business decision he had made earlier in the day, Walkley tossed and turned in bed, distraught and miserable.
In what some might define as a spiritual experience, the father of five said he sensed God wanted him to give up his worldly possessions to create a place for young people.
Each morning for a month he rose and jotted his plans for the future in his journal. His wife, Beth, now a trustee of Cafe 41:11, supported her husband's vision. Meanwhile, down the street, the youth at Grace Church wanted to begin a coffeehouse ministry. Walkley agreed to help them out and explained to his tenants why he needed them to search for another location for their offices.
A few months later, Walkley, who owned a law practice, benefited financially from a case handled by one of his attorneys.
''The Lord spoke to me not to use any of that money for personal use, but rather put 100 percent into the ministry,'' he recalled.
The money helped spawn Cafe 41:11 and launched three identical programs that operate independently in Medina, Dalton and Kent.
''It's a carefree environment here,'' said Norton's Christian Swartwood, 17, who was chillin' in one of the booths with a pack of cards and a buddy. ''I can come and hang out with friends and be served by people in the community, as well as serve those in the community.''
As a divorce attorney, Walkley was frustrated with the effect divorce had on children. Today, he practices business law part time in a cramped office, no larger than a walk-in closet.
Growing up in Barberton, Walkley was at risk of failure growing up. It's something he had to overcome to be successful. That is why, he reasons, he's able to help young people who have difficult home lives.
The goal for the dynamic 50-year-old is to have a cafe near every high school in the United States.
Lord willing.
Details:
To donate or learn more about Cafe 41:11, serving 13-to-26-year-olds in the Norton and Barberton area, visit www.cafe4111.info or call 330-706-9844
Kim Hone-McMahan can be reached at 330-996-3742 or kmcmahan@thebeaconjournal.com.
Get the full article here.
Comments
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Akron, Oh
Posted 08:35 AM, 07/05/2009
The real joy in living is in giving. I believe young people have lost this joy because they have not been given the opportunity to give, as they have been on the receiving end for so long. Perhaps this economy will allow this generation the joy of helping one another, not just in third world countries but right here in their own neighborhoods. I thank the Walkleys for their beautiful example of what one family can do for so many others and hope they will be supported in a greater way after many of us read this article. Thank you for covering GOOD NEWS amid so much bad!
Akron, OH
Posted 10:20 AM, 07/05/2009
Interesting mission.
I wish him well.
