Photo Focus: MBW Café & Bakery Marks 10 Years of Changing Lives One Order at a Time

My Brother’s Workshop Café & Bakery marks the celebration of its 10th anniversary — a decade of serving the community while providing job training, mentorship, and hope to youth across the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Photo courtesy MBW)

For the past 10 years, every cup of coffee poured and pastry served at My Brother’s Workshop Café & Bakery has been more than just part of a menu — it has been part of a larger investment in the future of young people in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Located in downtown Charlotte Amalie, the cafe serves as a central hub for MBW’s vocational training program, where youth gain hands-on experience in culinary arts, customer service, and essential workplace habits. Since opening, it has become both a reliable fixture in the community and a place of support for trainees working to build their skills and confidence.

A trainee at My Brother’s Workshop Café & Bakery proudly presents a tray of freshly prepared breakfast sandwiches — one of the many skills developed through MBW’s hands-on culinary training program that equips Virgin Islands youth with real-world experience and confidence. (Photo courtesy MBW)

“MBW is more than a training program — it’s a safe landing ground for young people in need of guidance, support, and opportunity,” the organization said in a recent statement. “We are a program where potential is nurtured and confidence is built.”

Over the past decade, MBW Café & Bakery has offered mentorship, job training, and structured development to hundreds of young adults. The program not only provides technical training but also emphasizes the value of responsibility, teamwork, and personal growth.

The display counters at My Brother’s Workshop Café & Bakery in downtown Charlotte Amalie showcase a variety of handcrafted baked goods, salads, and smoothies — all prepared by youth trainees gaining real-world culinary and customer service experience as part of MBW’s vocational program. (Photo courtesy MBW)

“We are grateful to all our current and former trainees and staff for your hard work, as well as our community members for your belief in our mission and unwavering support,” the statement continued. “The 10 years of MBW’s Café & Bakery have been greatly meaningful and impactful for our trainees and the community.”

The cafe was launched as part of MBW’s broader mission to reduce youth violence and unemployment by creating pathways to sustainable employment. A decade later, it continues to serve as a practical training site and source of opportunity, one order at a time.