TODAY: Coffee Shop Dedicated to Employing People with Developmental Disabilities Holds Grand Opening in Livonia
Life poses many challenges for people with developmental disabilities and their families. One of the biggest of those challenges is finding employment.
One Livonia coffee shop is trying to make a difference by tackling this specific problem.
Anastasia and Katie’s Coffee Shop is run by a nonprofit organization that aims to provide employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.
The coffee shop will be mostly staffed with people who have disabilities such as Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, and Down’s Syndrome.
“We offer more support than found in a traditional work setting,” says Kelly Rockwell, president of the board of directors for the non-profit.
“The unemployment rate for people with disabilities is so high. Michigan has programs in the schools for 18- to 26-year-olds, some of the longest in the country. But once students age out, there are not a lot of opportunities out there.”
Today at 1pm, the coffee shop will be holding a grand opening extravaganza. If you would like to attend, the shop is located at 19215 Merriman Rd in Livonia.