BENTON HARBOR — Visitors to Lake Michigan College have a new place to grab lunch or a cup of coffee. The new Mosaic on Campus café opened on LMC’s Benton Harbor campus Tuesday, Sept. 26.

Located across from the college bookstore and marked by a colorful, hand painted mural, Mosaic’s menu features locally-sourced specialty coffee, sandwiches, salads and grill items akin to its’ Mosaic on Main restaurant in downtown Benton Harbor. 

Like all of Mosaic’s growing franchise of social enterprises, the café’s mission aims higher than filling stomachs or earning profits. Mosaic CCDA is a nonprofit that helps Berrien County residents learn new skills, rebuild relationships and work toward an independent life.

“This is a great partnership with Mosaic because of our aligned mission to create opportunities for people and employers in our communities,” said LMC President Trevor Kubatzke. “With 180 students now living on campus in our residence hall, expanding healthy meal options is more important than ever.”

The campus café is managed by Mosaic’s Director of Culinary, Sam Hybels, who is an experienced executive chef and restauranteur. Coffee and barista service is provided by Infusco Coffee Roasters of Sawyer. Two of the café’s employees are graduates of the Mosaic Opportunity Jobs For Life Training Program, and after gaining hands-on experience working at the café, they will receive assistance finding employment within the community or have the option to earn a certificate or degree in LMC’s hospitality or culinary management programs.

Mosaic CCDA Executive Director Ric Pawloski said he was proud of the partnership with the college. 

“We are excited to partner with Lake Michigan College as we bring wholesome food and excellent customer service to their campus.” Pawloski said. “Mosaic on Campus is a unique opportunity for our participants to be exposed to the education options offered at LMC.”

Mosaic on Campus is located on the first floor of Lake Michigan College, at 2755 E. Napier Ave. It is open Monday through Friday, with coffee served beginning at 7:30 a.m. Lunch is offered from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays.

See the menu and learn more at lakemichigancollege.edu/mosaic.

Mosaic Christian Community Development Association is a Benton Harbor-based nonprofit dedicated to building a stronger community in Benton Harbor and Berrien County, Michigan. Their mission is to “create opportunities for steps to greatness as we prepare people for further education, life, and work while sharing Christ’s love.” The staff and leadership of Mosaic supports individuals as they take these steps to greatness by helping them learn new skills, rebuild their relationships and work toward an independent life.

Students enroll in Mosaic Opportunity, a job readiness training program, and transition into the workforce beginning with employment at one of the Mosaic Social Enterprises, which include Mosaic on Main, Mosaic on Campus, Mosaic Resale and Mosaic Property Services.

Once graduates are ready to rejoin the outside workforce, Mosaic works with a local network of business owners and employers to place graduates in a job and to provide on-the-job support.

More information is available at mosaicccda.com.