Daily Delights Cafe in Hague Demonstrates the Power of Inclusive Employment
At Daily Delights Cafe in Hague, Saskatchewan, staff members like cashier David Epp, table clearer Gerald Fehr, and cleaners Maggie Zacharias and Mark Krahn never want to miss a day of work. This bustling coffee shop, located about 47 kilometers north of Saskatoon, offers more than just soups, drinks, and desserts—it provides meaningful employment for residents of Sunshine Housing, a non-profit organization that supports people who experience disability.
A Cafe Born from Community Dreams
The idea for Daily Delights originated from the residents themselves through Sunshine Housing's person-centered planning process. During the pandemic, residents began baking and supporting one resident's goal of working in a cafe, which quickly evolved into creating their own establishment. Executive director Jenn Rutka explained that the cafe opened in June 2025 based on the interests of those supported, with ten residents applying for jobs after creating resumes. The cafe is attached to Sunshine Housing's day program building, and Rutka notes they are opening spots for others who could benefit from such programming, even if they don't live with the organization.
Sunshine Housing, incorporated in 1985, runs four homes in Hague and Osler with 19 residents. Funding from the Ministry of Social Services ensures that all profits from Daily Delights go back into the business and day program, while residents earn paychecks. For example, Epp and Krahn saved for a trip to Mexico, and Fehr enjoys spending on treats, highlighting the financial independence gained.
Professionalism and Pride in Action
Customers frequently praise the professionalism, quality of service, and pride exhibited by the staff. Rutka shared that residents take immense pride in the cafe being their place of employment, which translates into a sense of purpose. She emphasized, "To have a job that’s meaningful, it’s just awesome to see." Daily Delights is one of the first cafes of its kind in Saskatchewan, similar to the 40th Street Grill in Prince Albert, which also promotes independence through work experience.
Before opening, extensive training was conducted, and Rutka admitted they were unsure what to expect. However, residents excelled naturally in their duties. Each shift involves around three people in the kitchen and three front-of-house, with everyone assigned specific roles. Krahn serves food and cleans, citing the staff as his favorite part, while Fehr, a master cleaner, helps write uplifting messages on to-go cups like "Stay positive" and "You are my sunshine."
Community Support and Inclusivity
Day program coordinator Crystal Pearson noted that Zacharias entertains customers, making them feel wonderful, and residents handle most tasks except cooking and baking—with the exception of Epp's famous chili. Kitchen job coach Anna Kroeker prepares all food from scratch, including soup, buns, and dill pickle bread. Epp, who is visually impaired, learned to run the till and greets customers, often arriving an hour early.
The cafe has become a community hub, with regulars knowing staff by name and visitors coming from surrounding areas. Pearson pointed out that many customers have known the residents long before the cafe opened, and the community has always been supportive. Daily Delights makes soups for the school, receives backing from local businesses, and hosts events for groups, including other organizations supporting people with disabilities.
Rutka observed that staff are incredibly dedicated, never wanting to miss work, which fosters independence. Pearson added, "Because they never fit in anywhere. Here, they’re chopping food, they’re doing the dishes. They feel important; they’re valued." The cafe operates Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with daily menus available on Facebook, serving as a beacon of what inclusive workplaces can achieve.
