In the heart of Cedars, Pennsylvania, a remarkable cafe is changing lives and challenging perceptions. The So Much To Give Inclusive Cafe, founded by Maureen Stanko, is more than just a place to grab a coffee – it’s a beacon of hope and opportunity for people with disabilities.
A Mother’s Worry Sparks an Idea
Maureen Stanko, like many parents of children with disabilities, found herself lying awake at night, worrying about her son Nick’s future. Nick, a 20-year-old on the autism spectrum, was approaching the end of his time in the school system, which in Pennsylvania extends to age 22 for students with disabilities.
“I was lying in bed one night at 3 a.m. I was thinking about, ‘Oh man, what’s going to happen to him.’ You know? It’s like it’s coming, it’s like impending now,” Stanko told CBS News.
It was during one of these sleepless nights that Stanko remembered her father’s advice: “When you have a problem, pray like hell then get up off your knees and do something.” This moment of reflection sparked an idea that would soon change not only Nick’s life but the lives of many others in their community.
From Dream to Reality
Stanko’s concerns led her to discuss the issue with Nick’s therapist, Tyler Kammerle. As it turned out, Kammerle had a long-held dream of opening a restaurant that would employ people with disabilities. This serendipitous conversation, combined with the support of philanthropist Kathy Opperman, set the wheels in motion.
After two years of planning and hard work, the So Much To Give Inclusive Cafe opened its doors in January 2023. The name itself, inspired by Stanko’s belief in the potential of individuals with disabilities, became a powerful mission statement for the establishment.
A Workplace Like No Other
The So Much To Give cafe is not just unique in its mission – its workforce composition sets it apart from any typical restaurant. Of the 63 employees, an impressive 80% have a disability. These individuals work in various roles, including greeters, food runners, sous chefs, dishwashers, and servers.
This diverse workforce has created an environment of acceptance and understanding. As Stanko explains, “This cafe has taught Nick how to sit in a restaurant. Because now we have a place to go, where if he stands up and starts hopping like a bunny or clapping or yelling, nobody cares.”
Stories of Growth and Confidence
The impact of the cafe extends far beyond providing employment. It has become a nurturing ground for personal growth and increased self-confidence among its employees.
Take Lauren Oppelts, for example. As a hearing-impaired individual, Oppelts never imagined she would work as a hostess or server. Now, she not only fulfills these roles but also teaches sign language at the cafe.
“I mean, if you would ask me over a year ago, two years ago that I would be a hostess, a server, I wouldn’t believe you. Because I have grown so much self-confidence,” Oppelts shared. “A lot of these employees I’ve known since the very, very beginning and the growth I see in them, it’s just mind-blowing.”
A Safe Space for Diners
The cafe’s impact reaches beyond its employees. It has become a safe and welcoming space for individuals with disabilities to dine out – an experience that can often be stressful or challenging in typical restaurant settings.
Stanko herself admits that before the cafe opened, taking Nick to a restaurant was rarely worth the stress and expense. Now, families like hers have a place where they can enjoy a meal without worry or judgment.
Expanding the Vision: Inspiration Studio
Not content with just the cafe, Stanko expanded her vision to create even more opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Across the street from the cafe, she opened the Inspiration Studio – a space dedicated to teaching music, life skills, crafts, and other classes for people with disabilities.
This expansion demonstrates Stanko’s commitment to providing a holistic approach to empowerment and skill development for individuals with disabilities.
A Community Effort
Stanko is quick to acknowledge that this endeavor has been far from a solo effort. The success of So Much To Give and the Inspiration Studio is the result of teamwork, dedication, and the generosity of donors who believed in the vision.
“I did originally think that So Much To Give was all about Nick and others with different abilities,” Stanko reflected. “And what I’ve learned through this whole process is that it’s not just about Nick and other people with disabilities. Everybody has so much to give.”
A Model for the Future
The So Much To Give Inclusive Cafe serves as an inspiring model for what’s possible when we recognize and nurture the potential in all individuals. It challenges societal norms and demonstrates that with the right support and opportunities, people with disabilities can thrive in the workplace and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
As the cafe continues to grow and impact lives, it stands as a testament to the power of one person’s idea to create ripples of positive change. In Cedars, Pennsylvania, a small cafe is proving that indeed, everyone has so much to give.