Eden Cafe builds community with 'pay it forward' program

Eden Cafe in downtown Tulare runs a nonprofit 'pay it forward' program to help fund meals and serves weekly meals to people experiencing homelessness; owners Marc and Mimi Thevenet emphasize community, face-to-face conversation and youth mentorship.

Eden Cafe in downtown Tulare was opened by Marc and Mimi Thevenet to serve French food and coffee made from fresh, quality ingredients. Mimi aims to create a community dining room where people feel known and welcome. The cafe operates as a nonprofit and partners with CSET, Young Lives, Rescue Mission and local high schools. It also runs a "pay it forward" program and serves meals to people experiencing homelessness once a week. Key details: - Founders: Marc and Mimi Thevenet. - Menu includes coffee, fresh French pastries, homemade items, and imported meat from France. - The "pay it forward" program allows customers to donate toward someone else’s meal or coffee, and the cafe serves weekly meals to people experiencing homelessness. - Eden Cafe operates as a nonprofit and partners with local organizations and schools. - Mimi leads workshops and mentorship programs and encourages face-to-face conversation with a "no phones" approach to help people feel seen. Summary: The cafe combines food service with social support, fostering connection across different groups and offering weekly meals for people in need. Undetermined at this time.