After Being Rejected From Jobs, Man With Autism Opens Own Coffee Shop As ‘A Beacon Of Hope’
The store has a Facebook page that describes the mission of the business:
"We are a family owned coffee shop serving up more than a cup of coffee. We employ people with developmental disabilities, encourage community engagement, and change the way the world sees those with disabilities."
Speaking about his business with WPRI, Michael said, “It’s just a beacon of hope for people with disabilities.” He has autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder. Michael has also participated in the Special Olympics of Rhode Island, which is what initially helped him engage in a hospitality program with hopes of one day working in a restaurant.
“As soon as I turned 21 and applied (for a job), they did not hire me,” Michael said. The rejections kept coming, so Michael shifted gears. With his parents’ help and support, he opened up his own coffee shop. He also took business classes through the Rhode Island Developmental Disability Center.
“As parents, we look at our kids and see the value,” Michael’s mother Sheila Coyne said. “We see what they are capable of, instead of the system that’s constantly labeling them and putting barriers.”
She added: “I couldn’t be more proud of him. He’s done amazing things. And he’s just a really good human being. You feel that when you come in.”
For Complete Cooking STEPS Please Head On Over To Next Page Or Open button (>) and don’t forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends.
