NEWBURYPORT — After a robust refurbishment featuring the help of a local business, the Salvation’s Army SA Cafe re-opened to the public on Wednesday — much to the delight of the roughly 25 people who attended a brief ceremony.
“This space had individuals coming to it for things like coffee already,” Salvation Army Newburyport Corps Major Jessica Berkhoudt said. “But we wanted to make it beautiful and match the beauty of the community. I believe that’s what we were able to do.”
The roughly 300-square-foot community room is located the Salvation Army’s Water Street headquarters. There, people can make their own sandwiches, soups, oatmeals, toast, or pastries.
Open every Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., as well as on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., all self-made meals are free and so is the coffee.
“All you have to do is walk in. It’s just like preparing a meal in your home,” Berkhoudt said. “We have about 60 individuals from all over the area who come every week. Whether it’s seniors who are enjoying coffee together, mothers with their children or people who are displaced or unhoused, all different walks of life come here.”
Senior groups also hold meetings in the cafe where Berkhoudt said people can charge their cell phones as well.
“We have couples who do coffee dates here at least three times a month,” she said.
While the cafe first opened in September, local financing company Darling Consulting Group helped to dramatically renovate it over the past year.
Darling head of marketing Amanda Smith said she and a dozen of her co-workers recently took the time to help repaint the cafe’s walls. Its faulty doors were also renovated and fixed, as was the ceiling, which got a new coat of paint.
“It’s not every day that a bunch of bankers put down their financial statements and get on ladders and use paint brushes,” she said. “But we were so happy to do it.”
Although she didn’t want to give a monetary amount, Smith added Darling also pitched in to buy furniture, including a pair of big armchairs for the cafe.
The space is also adorned with 92-inch-long curtains that were hand made last year by 96-year-old Groveland resident Jean Milaschewski. The blue-and-white blinds cover three 54-inch windows in the cafe.
With dozens of people looking on, Berkhoudt was joined by Smith in cutting the ribbon to the remodeled cafe.
Smith said it was terrific to see the new space come to life. She also promised to continue collaborating with the Salvation Army.
“This is a wonderful thing to be able to contribute to,” she said. “We’re thrilled to be a part of this and in an ongoing way.”
The Salvation Army, according to Berkhoudt is always looking for community partners, like local cafes and restaurants that might be willing to help provide pastries and coffee, on a daily, weekly or even monthly basis. Interested parties can call 978-465-0883.
Staff writer Jim Sullivan covers Newburyport for The Daily News. He can be reached via email at jsullivan@newburyportnews.com or by phone at 978-961-3145. Follow him on Twitter @ndnsully.