The coffee is brewing, the doors are open, and Erin's is officially open for business at all three ErinoakKids main sites. 

Following months of planning, training and preparation, ErinoakKids is proud to have celebrated the grand opening of Erin's cafés in Mississauga, Brampton and Oakville last week. More than just a place to grab a coffee, snack or treat, Erin's represents a meaningful investment in inclusion, opportunity and community. 

Meaningful Employment Opportunities For Our Community 

Designed as welcoming spaces for families, staff, volunteers and visitors, Erin's cafés also provide meaningful employment opportunities for former ErinoakKids clients as well as members of our community. The initiative aligns with ErinoakKids' commitment to helping children and youth with disabilities achieve greater independence and prepare for life beyond our programs.  

At the heart of Erin's are the café servers, many of whom are former ErinoakKids clients. Through hands-on experience serving customers, operating point-of-sale systems, preparing food and beverages and working as part of a team, they are building valuable skills that will help prepare them for future employment opportunities. Erin's offers a supportive environment where staff can gain confidence, develop workplace experience and continue their journey toward independence.  

"Youth programming at ErinoakKids has always been about preparing young people for what comes next," noted ErinoakKids CEO Chris Hartley at the café grand openings. "Erin's is that belief in action, creating real opportunity, fostering independence, and showing our community what is possible when young people, especially those with disabilities, are empowered to succeed." 

As Erin's begins this exciting new chapter, every purchase helps support the café's operations and contributes to ErinoakKids programs, while helping create real-world employment opportunities for young people.  

Supporting Erin’s 

The Erin’s cafés have been made possible through the dedication of staff across the organization and the support of community partners and donors who helped bring the vision to life.  

A big thank you to our Erin’s Halton sponsor, Rotary Club of Oakville and to our Erin’s Mississauga food sponsors, Palma Pasta and Longo’s. 

Are you interested in supporting Erin’s? Learn more about becoming a sponsor by reaching out to fundraising@erinoakkids.ca 

Whether you're visiting for an appointment, stopping by to see a friend, or simply looking for a great cup of coffee, we invite you to visit Erin's and meet the incredible team behind the counter.