Luke Hallowell, Daisy Perez-Mendoza, and Jose (Paco) Claro, have all known each other for many years, and at the center of it all is the Collegium Café. Luke worked at the Center for Sharing for several years and while working here he built relationships and was a mentor to a lot of youth, Paco and Daisy being two of those individuals.
Earlier this year Daisy, a senior in high school, survived a major car accident. Looking at her today one would never know that about her. Both Daisy and Paco participated and graduated The Café’s Evening Work Training Program, where they had the opportunity to volunteer as baristas, gain job experience, and learn all about gourmet coffee drinks and food prep. When we asked Daisy what this Café means to her she said that “it brings back a lot of memories. The Collegium is the foundation; the heart of the Tierra Vida community.” Paco, a freshman at Columbia Basin College, added that the Collegium has been like a second home to him. “This is where I’ve built lasting friendships, made connections and memories. This is a place of new beginnings.”
Luke, who was in here planning his board retreat, now works for as the Executive Director at Downtown Pasco Development Authority. “This place, is your place. When you come here you can’t help but to feel an extraordinary welcoming ambiance. It has a home-like quality about it. When I plan meetings with clients or staff retreats, I look for a safe and welcoming place to meet, the Collegium always comes to mind.”
It’s always good to see our friends! Come see us at the Café Monday-Friday 7am-7pm.