As the summer sunlight filters through glass windows, it casts a warm glow on the deep brown tables and chairs. The rich aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans gently fills the air, mingling with the scent of books. Drawn by the fragrance, a young resident makes their way to the corner bar, where Xiaolu, a community-appointed "Common Prosperity Operator," is intently grinding coffee beans.

This morning (the 4th), reporters visited the community service centre in Wantou, part of Yongjiang Subdistrict in Jiangbei District, and noticed something new: a unique space combining coffee culture with psychological therapy. Though it just entered a trial phase this week, the cosy café has already drawn in many residents. Some sip on hand-poured coffee while flipping through books, while others read lively stories to their children from picture books.

The café and the residents. (Photo by Zhou Xiaoqian, Luo Qiulin and Wang Jiahui) 

This warm and inviting coffee bar was born from a thoughtful observation in the Wanxiang Community. For some time, Yongjiang Subdistrict has been working to turn the community service centre into a “one-stop” employment service hub right at residents’ doorsteps. During this process, the community noticed a rising demand among younger residents for drinks like coffee.

“We have plenty of activities and foot traffic here,” said a staff member, pointing to a nearby resident reading a book. “Our urban library is always busy, and youth night classes are popular too… We saw both the need and the opportunity.” That insight sparked a timely call for a “Common Prosperity Operator.”

A “Common Prosperity Operator” refers to someone who, with community support, starts a business using their skills while giving back to the neighbourhood — a leader exploring new pathways to shared prosperity. This model integrates resources from Party organisations, women’s federations, and social groups, aiming to turn residents' hopes for a better life into tangible, joyful experiences.

Ultimately, Xiaolu — with extensive coffee-making experience and a strong sense of social responsibility — stood out and took on the challenge. “In our fast-paced lives, people need emotional outlets and professional support,” she explained as she handed a beautifully crafted coffee to a waiting resident, sharing her motivation for joining the project.

Xiaolu is making some coffee for the residents.

She skillfully blends her coffee-making expertise with mental wellness support. For instance, she uses OH Cards (a psychology-based card game that helps players explore and express themselves through images and words) to engage customers. Additionally, part of the café’s revenue is donated to the Jiangbei District Women's Federation’s "Carnation Project" to support women's development.

When the café’s operations stabilize, a portion of its profits will be channelled into the “Happy Red Bay” Community Common Prosperity Fund, directly supporting social services, community governance, and other public needs.

The café itself is becoming a hub of community vitality:

• It offers professional tea break services for community meetings,

• Its flexible space hosts diverse resident activities,

• It partners with Red Bay social organisations to hold coffee therapy sessions, skill training, parent-child education, and more.

Volunteer efforts are also recognised and appreciated here.

The café is linked to “Star Rating” programs and charity markets, where residents can use their accumulated “Time Bank Points” to redeem heartwarming rewards. Every act of selfless service is seen, valued, and passed on through the rising aroma of coffee.

"Using coffee as a bridge, we’re making common prosperity tangible," said Mao Youdan, Party Secretary of Wanxiang Community, standing beside the café with hopeful eyes. “Red Bay’s social organisations will continue to deepen the model of ‘policy support—sustainable operations—community reinvestment,’ offering more comprehensive services to residents and drawing a vibrant blueprint of shared entrepreneurship, co-construction, and common prosperity.”

Source: Yongpai

Reporter: Wang Jiahui

Correspondents: Zhou Xiaoqian, Luo Qiulin and Wu Tianyun

Editor: Ye Ke