ORANGE : Cafe Turns a New Leaf for Workers

Workers at John Henry Cafe seem very eager to please. They confirm prices before ringing up orders, and more than one employee stands ready to make a sandwich at any time.

But if the workers seem a little nervous, it’s perfectly understandable: These employees suffer from such illnesses as schizophrenia and manic-depression. In fact, such illnesses are practically a requirement for the job.

The restaurant, in an office complex at 902 Town and Country Road, is the creation of the John Henry Foundation, an Orange-based nonprofit organization devoted to the care of the mentally ill.

“The cafe serves a number of objectives. It’s trying to make the mentally ill more self-confident,” said Hugh Coble, a founding member of the John Henry Foundation. “And it sends a message to the community that these people can make a contribution.”

Dr. John Henry Massimino, the organization’s founder, added: “Many of the mentally disabled fall out of the work force. It’s unexplainable without causing (them) a lot of embarrassment. This is a way to create a work history.”

The cafe’s employees include Joni Leigh Penn, 33, recently released from prison for the 1990 harassment of actress Sharon Gless.

“I get the feeling I’m helping the mentally ill become sort of independent from the government and create our own community,” Penn said.

Penn is employed full time as the cafe’s assistant manager, working the cash register, making sandwiches or performing other jobs as needed.

“I do a little bit of everything,” Penn said proudly.

But the seven other restaurant employees work varied and sometimes erratic schedules as a result of their illnesses. Some work only a couple of hours a week, others come in for only morning or afternoon shifts.

“A lot of the employees take medication or have doctors’ appointments,” said Faith Sloyer, the cafe’s manager.

For example, one employee originally scheduled to work mornings was moved to a later shift when it was discovered that he was less irritable and agitated in afternoon.

Employees at the cafe must remain in therapy and take medication if prescribed. They do not have to be undergoing treatment through the John Henry Foundation.

Some workers admit experiencing difficulties. One employee, who asked that her name not be used, said she sometimes hears nonexistent voices while at work.

“It interferes with conversations,” she said. “Trying to concentrate on a job is hard with the voices.”

But on a recent weekday afternoon, the cafe’s customers appeared satisfied with the service and the food.

“I would like to spend my money someplace where it’s going to a good cause,” said customer Kat Akridge. “Besides, they make great sandwiches.”

The John Henry Cafe is unusual but not unique in the Southland. The Orange-based Orange County Mental Health Assn. recently formed a custodial service called The Clean Team, staffed solely by organization clients.

And in Los Angeles, the Corporate Cookie, staffed entirely by the mentally disabled, serves up cookies, yogurt and sodas to customers in its mid-Wilshire shop.