Thank you for supporting Kenzie's Cafe and Our 5th Annual Java Jam!
Wow, Java Jam 2026 is in the books and it will be one to remember. Thank you for coming out on a night that was unexpected. We appreciate everyone who came down to enjoy the evening with us, and appreciate everyone who stayed home and cheered for us from afar. We felt all the love, all day! I’m not sure what the best part was…the first ever talent show, the music, the dancing, the food, or the community that continues to show its' support for us! Thank you for supporting Kenzie’s, coming to Java Jam, purchasing raffle tickets, donating, and truly sharing in the joy that is created by our mission.
I don't think I can stop talking about how incredible the talent show was. From the comments I received this might be a new tradition. From the speeches, songs, and jokes, to participant interaction, this brought more joy to my heart (and I hope yours too) than I have felt in a while. AND I work at Kenzie's. That says a lot. I am so unbelievably proud of the bravery of our staff and board member who took the stage by storm to show us their talents outside of the cafe. I hope you were able to get to know them better! Our Baristas make a mean latte, but it sure isn’t their only talent! I’m so thankful for their willingness to share with us.
Before I go any further I want to thank our Managers, Committee Members, Volunteers, Sponsors, and donors who made the event possible. THANK YOU! Last, but not least, we need to thank or entertainers, our very own Baristas, Mojo Dojo, and Domestic Problems, who each brought the house down in our name!
At Java Jam, we talked about the exciting changes happening at our cafe and hinted about some very exciting projects in the works. As soon as we are able we will spill the beans, but for now we can talk about our name change. Effective today, we are officially operating under a new name.
We are Kenzie's Café.
Just Kenzie's Café.
Our name is changing. And I want to be clear about what that means — and what it does not mean.
It does not mean our mission is changing. It does not mean our team is changing. It does not mean our commitment to this community is changing.
It means we are stepping fully into our own identity.
At Kenzie’s, we’re proud to provide employment and workforce development training and that is not changing. The reverse is happening, we are actively working to create even more job opportunities within our community. With far too many people on a waitlist and reaching out weekly about opportunities, our work has really just begun. If you are interested in learning about how your business can benefit from hiring our Baristas, making room for us to hire and train someone else, I would love to speak to you!
With our name change we launched a new website, we have new merch, and our signage will change in the near future!
Visit Kenziescafe.org to check it out.
The evening was magical, but we missed our fundraising goal for Java Jam this year (we are blaming the weather). If you missed your opportunity to donate at the event, or were not able to make it and want to support us, please consider making a one-time donation, or becoming a recurring donor. Thank you for ALL of your support, near and far.
Thank you! We can't wait to jam out with you again next year!
Erin Lyon
Executive Director
Kenzie’s Cafe