Aregak Bakery & Cafe

Aregak Bakery & Cafe is a social enterprise project of the Emili Aregak Centre (EAC) of Armenian Caritas, which serves as Gyumri’s support and resource center for youth with disabilities aged 2 to 18. Established in September 2018, Aregak became the first fully inclusive and barrier-free bakery and coffee shop in Gyumri. This pioneering initiative was co-financed by the European Union, the Austrian Development Cooperation, and Caritas Austria.

The concept for Aregak Bakery & Cafe originated from a clear need identified by EAC staff: the severe lack of post-program opportunities for young adults with disabilities in the city. Despite receiving therapy and guidance at the Emili Aregak Centre, these young individuals frequently struggled to find a meaningful role in the Gyumri community. Their entry into the labor market was typically obstructed by both physical barriers—such as inaccessible workplaces and transportation—and pervasive cultural and attitudinal barriers, including stigma and a lack of specialized training. The Bakery & Cafe was thus created to directly address these systemic obstacles.