LIVONIA, Mich. (WXYZ) — A new Livonia coffee shop dedicated to hiring people with disabilities is holding its grand opening Tuesday.
Anastasia and Katie's Coffee Shop is run by MI Work Matters, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.
"We offer more support than found in a traditional work setting," says Kelly Rockwell, president of the board of directors for the non-profit, in a statement.
The coffee shop had a soft opening in late fall and assumed regular business hours by December.
On Tuesday, there will be a grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebration, beginning at 1 p.m. There will be drawings and giveaways throughout the day.
"The unemployment rate for people with disabilities is so high. Michigan has programs in the schools for 18- to 26-year-olds, some of the longest in the country. But once students age out, there are not a lot of opportunities out there," Rockwell says.
"Since we’ve opened, we’ve had such a large amount of applicants. The desire for employment far exceeds what we can provide."
The coffee shop is located at 19215 Merriman Rd.
Visit their website for more information.
