Question: I was at ADRC for an event and learned there is a cafe located there. Can you tell me more about Grounded Cafe?
Answer: Grounded Cafe opened in 2017 as a coffee shop serving coffee and smoothies. The seedling ideas was to provide on-the-job training for individuals with disabilities who may need some support in doing the job in the form of a job coach or mentor.
The cafe has grown since that time and the menu has been expanded to include breakfast and lunch offerings, as well as delicious bakery items. There’s always something new to try with monthly specials and seasonal menu changes.
Grounded Cafe works with area school districts and the Department of Vocation Rehab (DVR) to identify individuals who may be a good fit for becoming a trainee. The length of time a trainee works at the cafe varies depending on that person’s situation, averaging between 90 days to 5 months. Each trainee works with volunteer mentors who provide the support needed to carry out the job tasks. The trainees get experience in serving customers, prepping food, washing dishes, and bussing tables. The goal is for the trainee to acquire skills that will transfer to paid work in the community.
Another goal of the cafe is to reach people who do not know about ADRC and the services we offer. The idea is for people to “know us before they need us.” In the summer of 2023, we also launched our food truck, Grounded on the Go. The cafe and food truck provide more visibility to ADRC and raise awareness of our mission and core services within the community.
The cafe is open Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. as well as Farmer Market Saturdays from 7 a.m. – 12 p.m. Catering is available and rooms within ADRC are available for rent. If you are interested in building rentals or volunteering in the cafe, please contact Jeremy Slusarek at (920) 448-4309.
