A local business donated a new HVAC system to Crossville’s Common Grounds Coffee Shop, which provides job opportunities to people with special needs.
Common Grounds Founder Sara Bakker said her daughter has Downs Syndrome, and she worried about her daughter being able to find work after high school. Baker said it is unfair that people with so much potential are often overlooked by employers.
“Once you spend time getting to know them, you see how capable they really are,” Bakker said. “They can do so much more than people give them credit for, but it does take extra time and effort to train them and to teach them how to do it. But they do have that ability there. But most people don’t want to take that extra time.”
Bakker said the job opportunities for people with disabilities are few and far between.
Miller Heating And Air donated the HVAC system to allow the shop to continue to operate.
Bakker said she believes everyone deserves the ability to be a part of the community and contribute to society.
Bakker said she asked she asked some of her daughter’s peers about their post high school jobs, but there were not many choices apart from stocking grocery shelves or washing dishes.
Bakker said the shop was able to fill its staff quickly, and there is currently a wait list for those wanting to work at Common Grounds. Baker said people call and email a couple of times a week seeking employment.
Bakker said the time and patience needed to train employees with special needs may be why it is harder for them to find jobs. Bakker said Common Grounds employees receive the investments of time, repetition, and consistency.
“Our employees come in, they work the same shift, the same hours,” Bakker said. “They work with the same team members so they know exactly what to expect. And we build teams that have sort of opposing strengths, so if someone is good on the cash register, we’ll find someone for support staff who’s really good at cleaning. So it’s the same routine week after week for their shift.”
Bakker said there are volunteer job coaches that help employees who are struggling or need a little extra support.
Bakker said Common Grounds employees benefit with a self esteem boost. She said the feelings of inclusion and independence gives the employees some extra confidence, and a much needed community.
“It just helps prevent them from isolation, because so often, they’re just sitting at home, not doing much,” Bakker said. “So it’s really helpful with their mental health and just feeling good about themselves and how they can be a part of being fully included into something.”
Although there are lots of fun activities for those with disabilities, there are not many chances for them to earn income. Bakker said Common Grounds is the first job for many of the employees, and earning a paycheck feels good for them.
“This is largely about our community as a whole to support each other and focus on what we do have in common,” Bakker said. “And it does take a little bit of time, but that is what our coffee shop was built for. For people to come spend time and find out what we have alike, and how we are more alike than different.”