Pennsylvania coffee shop provides community and purpose for people with disabilities

[ad_1] A brand new espresso store in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, is creating an area for folks with disabilities to search out neighborhood and a spot to train new abilities.

Bean Skill Cafe opened in late January in Drexel Hill by way of a partnership with Emmaus House, a nonprofit that gives housing and faith-based assist for adults with bodily and mental disabilities. Residents have a possibility to take part in actions on the cafe in the course of the day and even assist prospects.

Karen Petrucci, 62, is without doubt one of the residents who takes nice pleasure in volunteering at Bean Skill, whether or not she's prepping cream cheese, welcoming prospects or dropping off a toasted bagel with a smile.

"I get to work with prospects, and I like all of them," she stated.

Petrucci, who lives with an mental incapacity, stated the volunteer alternative offers a way of goal.

"Primary, [it] will get me out of the home. Plus, I like my job," Petrucci stated. "Not going [anywhere] made me lonely, however now I rise up and I come right here."

Emmaus House was based 11 years in the past by Anne Leopold, who has a son with autism and epilepsy. The espresso store was a current dream she put into motion.

"Having a son myself, I do know there's not that many locations after commencement from highschool the place they will go … a belonging place, a spot for folks to come back collectively," Leopold stated.

That sense of belonging is strictly what Bean Skill now gives. Adults with disabilities collect there not solely to participate in day by day actions but in addition to attach with one another and with neurotypical friends.

Seventeen-year-old barista Will Bradford stated working at Bean Skill is private.

"I even have a brother who has Down syndrome, so I am accustomed to interacting with folks with mental, developmental disabilities," he stated.

Prospects additionally say they really feel the love once they stroll within the door.

"Their mission is near my coronary heart," stated buyer Cheryl Timony. "After I lived within the metropolis, I labored with youngsters with particular wants."

Leopold stated her crew is at present working to get the phrase out about Bean Skill and searching for folks to donate how they will -- whether or not by volunteering their time or making monetary contributions — all with the objective of offering extra unbiased housing for folks like her son.

She additionally has a message for folks.

"If in case you have a toddler with disabilities, there's hope," she stated. "You will be blessed."

Bean Skill is open Tuesday by way of Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and options dwell music on most Saturdays. Particular night hours happen on Thursdays from 7-9 p.m., when dwell music can be provided.