CLEVELAND, Ohio - Women nearing release from prison are running the "Comeback Cafe" in Cuyahoga County's Virgil E. Brown Building on Superior Avenue.

The cafe allows the women a chance to get real-life job experience before being released. The cafe opened March 1 and serves breakfast and lunch.

It is the latest innovation of the Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry, which began the "Chopping for Change" program two years ago.

That program provides inmates set to be released in six to nine months with training and work experience as well as social services. They learn food preparation and culinary skills and receive help in finding a job after release.

The cafe had been run by the Cleveland Sight Center, county spokeswoman Mary Louise Madigan said. When the organization decided to no longer staff the facility, the county asked if the "Chopping for Change" program could expand, said Jessica Starr, spokeswoman for Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries.

The six women who work in the cafe are overseen by a corrections officer and manager. The inmates rotate jobs so they gain all skills, Starr said.

There are currently 40 women in the "Chopping for Change" program, which lasts from three to six months. Every three months another group of up to 13 women is added.

Since 2016, 86 women have entered the program and 40 have graduated and have found jobs. The recidivism rate is zero, Starr said.

Women in the program can earn certifications. The organization is seeking to gain accreditation to offer an associate degree to participants after they are released.

See the program brochure below or click here if on a mobile device.

The state corrections department and Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry also have partnered with True Freedom Ministries. That nonprofit Cleveland organization is providing workforce training to the women in the program and partnering with upscale restaurants.

The restaurants agree to hire the women after they are released, Starr said.

The Marble Room in Cleveland is the first restaurant to participate and three women are working there. Other restaurants have expressed interest, Starr said.