6 minute read
July 2022 Special Needs Living Akron/Canton
Whole Latte Love Cafe: Serving Coffee, Tea, and Smiles
Advertisement
Written by Melissa Klatt Photography by Michelle Herdlick
Photo by Laura Esposito Photography, LLC
Imagine waking up on the right side of the bed, strolling outside in the beautiful weather, and taking a drive out to grab coffee from your local coffee shop. You step in the shop’s front door and are greeted with the biggest smile, warming your heart as you make your way to the cashier. The rich aroma of coffee is swirling in the air, and you see a menu full of mouth-watering, hand-crafted breakfast items to pair with your cup of Joe. And on the team of wonderful staff who put your breakfast together are phenomenally diverse individuals who are thrilled to see you … as if you belong there.
At Whole Latte Love Cafe, this is your reality! (Okay, sometimes without the beautiful weather part. It’s Ohio.) Whole Latte Love Cafe Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that not only appreciates diversity; they celebrate it! Its mission is to create a safe, inclusive working environment for persons with developmental disabilities through meaningful work to enrich themselves and their community. Every cup of coffee is served with a smile!
Supporting the Special Needs Community Through Action Even though 83% of organizations in 2021 said they have diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, the reality is that these initiatives fall short for people with disabilities. Often, disability is left out of the DEI discussion! This can create an extra challenge for persons with disabilities. But you run across people with disabilities more often than you think!
According to the CDC, one in four Americans lives with a disability that impacts major life activities. (CDC: 1 in 4 US adults live with a disability, CDC Website) However, disability doesn’t discriminate. It affects a wide range of people from all walks of life and demographics. Whole Latte Love Cafe offers job training to help its employees live their best lives in Stark County.
“We are hardworking, welcoming, and kind,” says owner Beth Humbert. “Our desires are the same as everyone else. We all need to feel valued. It will be rewarding when this concept is fully recognized!”
Life After High School for People with Disabilities After high school, many young adults struggle with jumping into the swing of adulthood and the independence it comes with it. During high school, students with disabilities may rely heavily on individualized educational supports to aid their learning and growth. Moving forward post-graduation, sometimes these students quickly realize they don’t have the self-awareness or advocacy skills to navigate their newly-acquired independence.
Whole Latte Love Cafe gives these young adults a chance to earn something all their own in a safe environment. They empower each individual to follow their interests and preferences until they’re ready to leave the cafe environment. Did you know their trainees have expressed desires to make pizzas, prepare food, work with animals, in a library, and with the elderly? When a trainee finds their heart’s calling and is ready to leave, they’ll be assisted with finding an employment opportunity in the community!
Teaching Skills for Daily Living + Yummy Food = Empowerment! Tons of Whole Latte Love Cafe’s delicious breakfast and lunch options (such as their energy bites, fresh salads, protein boxes, and egg souffles) are prepared by trainees, giving them the skills they need for daily living and also some opportunities to get creative!
For instance, every month, a specialty drink made by a trainee is featured! The first drink started with Bobby in December, known as the Spiced Brown Sugar Cinnamon Latte. It was such a hit that people still ask for it today!
You can also find freshly brewed coffee drinks (made with community partner Cherry Blend Coffee Roasters), hot and cold espresso drinks, teas, smoothies, and frappes on Whole Latte Love Cafe’s menu. Paired with a freshlybaked scone made in-house, you’ll start off your day on a positive note!
Their Google Reviews Say It All “Just visited for the first time and had a great experience. I was greeted on my way in and thanked on my way out. Very nice customer service and pleasant atmosphere in the prep area as well. I could hear all the employees chatting cheerfully. The chai latte and egg souffle were delicious! I’m excited to have this organization in the neighborhood; great opportunity for job training. I love the display with each employee’s goals for themselves.” -Bonnie W.
“Stopped in today on a whim while in the area with my two young daughters. We were greeted with hospitality and smiles from everyone behind the counter, all of our questions were answered, and our food and drinks were top-notch. They have all the options of any high-end coffee shop. I love the mission of this place as well. The baristas made a delicious almond milk latte and two yummy frappes for my kiddos ... next time we are in North Canton, that’s definitely a stop for us! What a blessing this place is!” -Lici C.
“Absolutely love this place! I was the first to try the cinnamon and brown sugar latte, and it was my first time in. The cafe is so warming and cute; they have a variety of options. I also enjoyed the energy bites with my latte. I will definitely be back when I make it over to Canton.” -Jennifer C.
“My husband and I found this awesome little cafe after my doctor’s appointment. Everyone needs to try this cafe out. We ordered tomato bisque, a small fruit tray with cheese, a muffin, and iced cinnamon coffee. Absolutely delicious! We will be back. Thank you for your awesome service…” -Dwanna C.
“Whole Latte Love is a friendly, inviting place with great coffee. It is a ray of sunshine for a great start to your morning! You should make it a new part of your daily routine.” -Josh Z.
To support Whole Latte Love Cafe, visit them online to donate at www.wholelattelovecafe.org.
