Coffee, Coffee, Coffee

If you are anything like me, the word coffee may bring a smile to your face. I am a firm lover of my coffee. It’s what gets me up in the morning, puts a little pep in my step, and leads me to move forward with my day.

I recently stumbled across a business that brings together two things that I am passionate about in my life: people with disabilities and coffee. The business was started by Amy and Ben Wright. They are the parents to four children. One of their children has a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and two other children are diagnosed with Down syndrome. Recognizing the often untapped, hard-working, and talented work force that exists in people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, they started Bitty & Beau’s in January 2016.

Bitty & Beau’s is a coffee shop and so much more. The first shop was opened in 2016 in Wilmington, NC. They employed 19 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Today Bitty & Beau’s have 23 locations in 12 different states. And here is the phenomenal news! They are in the process of opening a new shop in Pittsburgh.

But it is not just about the coffee. It is about changing culture. It is about acceptance and normalization. It is about values, inclusion, and love. People with intellectual disabilities have so much to contribute to this world. They need jobs that give them a sense of joy and contribution, just as much as you or I. I applaud this family for thinking outside of the box, seeing the need, and pushing forward to make it happen.

So, if you are thirsting for a great cup of coffee with a phenomenal purpose go to Bitty & Beau’s. Can’t wait for the new shop to open? You can shop online from the comfort of wherever you are at bittyandbeauscoffee.com.