REDONDO BEACH, Calif. (KABC) — A celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in Redondo Beach to mark the grand opening of Michael’s Cafe.
“It’s my dream to work full time,” employee Kerryn Griffith said.
Mikal’s Cafe is redefining the traditional cafe experience by giving employees with disabilities a chance to showcase their skills. Founder Ed Lynch said the cafe is an extension of his nonprofit organization, Mikal’s Learning Place.
“When we started Michal’s Learning Facility almost 23 years ago, we named it after our daughter Michal, who passed away at the age of 7 and a half. At Michal’s, we believe everyone deserves the same opportunities. We have people who work here with developmental disabilities, autism, Down syndrome, and they learn everything,” said Ed Lynch, founder and executive director of Michal’s Cafe.
Employees are given a variety of roles, including servers and kitchen staff, which Lynch said helps show the community that employees with special needs are workers who deserve the same opportunities as others.
“I’ve always enjoyed my job,” employee Domonic Laster said.
“The unemployment rate for people with special needs is 85 percent. Our students believe that if they have the training and the support to do so, they can do anything if they put their mind to it,” Lynch said.
“Working in a restaurant is scary because you have people who are awful yesterday and then the next day they’re smiling,” kitchen leader Carly Horowitz said.
The café also serves a wide range of fresh, healthy options, so you can support great causes whilst enjoying a delicious meal.
“It’s so nice to come to a place that knows your name, knows the customers and still serves great food,” said customer Melinda Arendsen.
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