Autism Speaks reports that in the next decade, 500,000 teens and young adults with autism will enter adulthood. Yet, the National Survey of State Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Day and Employment Services explains that growth in integrated employment primarily occurred in the mid-1980s to mid-1990s, with no meaningful change in the number of people in integrated employment since 2001.
It was with those staggering statistics, an all-volunteer planning group comprised of members of the Alpharetta community had the idea to open BrewAble, an Alpharetta community café dedicated to the training and employment of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The café sits in the lobby of the Alpharetta Community Center, rent-free courtesy of the city of Alpharetta. BrewAble first opened its doors in the summer of 2019.
It should be no surprise, the Alpharetta community welcomed BrewAble with open arms. They've seen vendors sell products and supplies to them at cost. Services such as architecture, design, accounting and marketing of the coffee space are donated. And, before opening, when the café posted a need for volunteers to help get the store ready, volunteers just showed up at the door offering help.
BrewAble hires "brewistas," where they learn both hard skills such as working a cash register and making coffee, to the soft skills such as teamwork, communication and work ethic. The goal is to prepare brewistas for other career opportunities. "Both types of skills make our brewistas more employable and less at risk for loneliness, isolation and depression. Our managers strive to make sure brewistas are improving all their skills according to a work plan that we formulate for each employee," said Mary Ulich, director of operations at BrewAble Café.
And, the brewistas aren't the only ones benefiting from this program. Kids and adults serving as customers are being exposed to workers with disabilities, and learning how to be accepting, patient and understanding. "Our community has embraced the brewistas, and look forward to seeing “their” brewista when they come in," said Ulich.
"Brewistas are learning how to be part of a community, and our customers and other Alpharetta Community Center patrons learn more about working with individuals with disabilities. Sometimes, it takes them a little longer to communicate, or they need to ask for a little help, or they take a bit longer to fill an order. Our customers who are patient with the brewistas see that they are valuable, participating, vibrant members of our community, who want the same thing everyone else wants: meaningful friends, activities, and jobs where people value and respect their abilities, rather than focusing on their disabilities."
Mary tells of a time when BrewAble set up to serve treats to 300 Alpharetta children campers. She told the campers the brewistas were working on saying "thank-you" at the end of the transaction. What she noticed was the campers waited patiently in line. The campers eagerly helped the brewistas interact with the "thank-you" and "your welcome" conversation. While the brewistas were learning communication skills, the young campers were also learning how to interact with a person with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
BrewAble also provides a safe space for others with disabilities to come and hang out. Recently a special needs class from North Forysth High School came in as a field trip. The students enjoyed the comfortable setting and were able to view the brewistas as working role models.
"We welcome everyone in the community to come by and hang out with us at BrewAble," said Isabelle Rudd, café manager. We have a lot of BFFs (BrewAble Friends Forever), who find BrewAble to be a safe space to stop by daily or weekly. We have noticed that community members who are retired, have disabilities, work nearby, drive close by, or participate in programs at Wills Park or in the Community Center like the warmth and friendships formed at BrewAble," said Rudd.
BrewAble serves more than just coffee and tea. It sells scones, chicken salad, quiche and desserts. It also offers catering. In addition, the café sells beautiful artwork created by some of its brewistas and others with disabilities. The café also has visions to use its space for a fit club, music and events for the inclusive community.
"BrewAble certainly is the coffee café that the community built. Alpharetta residents and businesses donated money and services to help BrewAble open and succeed," said Ulich.
Mary gives just a few examples among dozens of donors: Choate Construction Company donated project management services, Thread HCM donates payroll services, Corporate Environments donated furniture, Alpharetta Rotary gave them a grant, and their members donated time to build the coffee counter. Community members donated thousands of dollars and come by for coffee and small personal or business meetings.
"We could not do what we do for individuals with disabilities without this support! Ultimately, we are fulfilling our vision of making Alpharetta a more disability friendly city. Wouldn’t it be great if every community built and supported a place like BrewAble?" concludes Ulich.
GIVING TUESDAY |
Generosity and kindness are like coffee… They awaken your spirit and improve your day! Make a Giving Tuesday donation to BrewAble, or show your receipt for a donation to any nonprofit for a free cup of coffee, served with kindness, for your generosity!
On Giving Tuesday, bakers, bakeries, restaurants, and community groups from around the area are “Baking a Difference” by donating baked goods to BrewAble. For a suggested donation, you may take home a dozen beautifully decorated holiday cookies, or other baked goods. All proceeds from “Baking a Difference” support the mission of BrewAble.
Stop by and purchase some fresh baked items for your family, or take them as a gift to a friend, neighbor, client, or coworker.
You can make a donation HERE.
Do you know of a local non-profit we should feature? Send us an email at karencohen@macaronikid.com
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Brewista Donna (right) showing Brewista Ben (left) how to access a new feature on the register IPad | Volunteer Shari, Brewista Meggy, Brewista Albert and Manager Isabelle Rudd selling coffee and treats to teachers at Webb Bridge Middle School |
