When a homeless man, Marcus, walked into Abi’s café he came with the intention of asking for spare change. Instead, he left with a job that not only changed his life, but also the owner of Abi’s Café, Cesia Abigail. What started as a kind gesture turned into a life-changing moment for both individuals that demonstrates that when a person gives kindness, kindness will be returned to them.
Cesia Abigial was working at her café when Marcus walked into the café on Lake Street in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was wearing baggy clothes that did not fit and asked for spare change. Instead of turning him away or giving him the spare change and telling him to leave, she decided to ask him a question. “Why don’t you have a job?” she asked him. Marcus’ answer was not what she was expecting.
“Well, I have a lot of felonies and no one wants to hire me for that. So, now I had to turn myself to the streets and get money the only way I know … stealing and asking for money,” Marcus replied.
Cesia took this as an opportunity and let him know that if he wanted a job, he could start today at the cafe! He smiled brightly and said yes. Cesia was only able to give him a two-hour shift to wash dishes and help out with other tasks, but he did not mind at all.
Following his shift, she tried to give him a free sandwich, but he would not take it. He wanted to pay for it. Cesia only agreed to let him pay if he also took the employee discount. After she paid him his first earnings she was shocked by what he did. Instead of eating the entire sandwich, he wrapped half of it in foil and ran outside to give it to another homeless person. This action proved to Cesia that she made the right choice.
Following his first day, Marcus came back every day for two weeks and worked his two-hour shift. Cesia could only afford to give him these two-hour shifts but once she saw his commitment she gave him a permanent position with more hours. She also took the opportunity to share her two-week experience with Marcus to encourage more business owners to give everyone a second chance and to also treat the homeless like they would any other customer.
“Do something nice for someone today and don’t judge them just because they out there asking for money for we don’t know their situation … some deserve another shot. God gave me this blessing so why can’t I bless others?” she posted.
Once the post hit the internet, it quickly went viral because of its good message. CBS News even did a news segment to highlight Marcus and Cesia. What Marcus did not know, was that Cesia’s business had been struggling for some time before he started to work for her. Once the public became aware of her great deed, the business started to boom! The experience came back and gave her, her much needed break too.
“A lot of people are saying I’ve been a blessing for him, but at that point, I was the one who needed a blessing,” she said.
Following the CBS News segment, a second segment was shown on their local Fox 9 News too! This created an urge for the public wanting to step up and help Marcus and Cesia as well. Abi’s Café held a fundraiser for Marcus and was able to raise $8,000! This money was able to get a roof over his head and Cesia let everyone know the good news by updating her Facebook.
“The goal to get him out of the streets is already accomplished. Thank you so much your donations and concerns if it wasn’t for you all of this wouldn’t be possible. THANK YOU,” she updated everyone.
Marcus had been homeless since the age of sixteen and let Cesia know he did not know how to properly save. So, she has been working with Marcus to help him learn how to. They have been putting ten percent of every paycheck aside with the intention to create his first savings.
If you ever find yourself in Minneapolis, make sure to have a quick bite at Abi’s Café!
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