Now a staff member at the downtown cafe, Gambino recalls how he found the Crossings Cafe about 15 years ago while he was still in high school. The cafe called out to him, Gambino said, at a time when the Warren man was jobless and depressed at the time. The decision to volunteer a few days a week at the Crossings Cafe was a steppingstone for Gambino in his life journey, with the decision to volunteer giving him the experience needed to land paid work elsewhere.

“When I can’t make it to church, due to having to work on a Sunday, I feel closer to God because I go to the cafe’s Sunday evening church service instead,” Gambino said.

He’s on staff at the Crossing Cafe and plans to be a part of the young adult initiative in the future. He’s full of life and recently ran a half-marathon whose pledges were given back to the Crossing Cafe as a donation.

The Crossing Cafe is located on the corner of Hickory Street and Pennsylvania Avenue West in downtown Warren. It’s hiding in plain sight, and many are unaware of what actually goes on at the cafe. It’s a gathering place for all walks of life in Warren County, and also a non-profit Christian outreach. The Crossing Cafe has special nights set aside for trivia, karaoke and music. Every Saturday there is a community breakfast held; twice a month they host the Smart Recovery Program, and the space is also available as a rental for businesses and family celebrations.

Times Observer photo by Jessica N. Rex The outside of the Crossing Cafe is pictured.

Volunteers shared that some of the best memories in Warren are made there.

The greatest mission for its existence is to be a blessing by “nourishing the body and the spirit because when anyone comes in here feeling low, they feel really good when they leave,” said volunteer Barbara Worden. It’s a safe public hangout, run 100% on good-will donations, where groups are welcome to bring board games or just hangout for the inviting community atmosphere, conversation and music.

Along with expanding young-adult events and more open-hours, will come the need for between 20 and 30 volunteers to help run operations. Anyone passionate about restaurant management or non-profit ventures could volunteer their time and gain skills. Already-skilled professionals are encouraged to “pay it forward” and share their administrative skills to keep operations thriving. Young adults are encouraged to reach out.

Having recently relocated from Rochester, N.Y. to Warren, Worden said there are dozens upon dozens of lives impacted positively by what The Crossing Cafe does. Part of a board committee, Worden said they would like to have an executive director and would like to increase the cafe hours to meet varying needs. Everyone involved would like to collaborate more with other non-profits to find more ways to positively impact residents. There are diaper drives, clothing drives and education/entertainment classes which have all been held there.

The cafe serves economical meals that support a tight budget or provide the perfect place for an inexpensive first date. The café strongly reinforces unity and combating isolation.

Times Observer photo by Jessica N. Rex A nativity scene craft class was held at The Crossings Cafe on November 20.

Coming up, the cafe will hold its annual Soup and Pie Fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., during the Christmas Parade and Walk, Friday, Dec. 5.