Gabi is my 23 year old daughter and an active, motivated adult with Down Syndrome. When she wanted to find a job, she searched and applied for many positions but could not get hired. She has big dreams and wants to be a productive member of society as well as to be active in the workplace. There are many others like her, with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Currently, 82.5% of IDD individuals of all ages are unemployed. We launched Gabi’s Grounds Coffee Shop in 2017 to give her and others the opportunity to be productive, responsible employees.
We are not just telling people they should hire people with disabilities; we are doing it! We are leading by example. We have just secured warehouse space in Raleigh and are searching for a suitable location for a storefront for the coffee house.
Gabi had always dreamed of owning a restaurant and has always wanted to do something meaningful to help other people. When we discussed the idea of opening a coffee shop, her immediate response was “Let’s do it.”
Gabi’s Grounds is an advocate for the value, inclusion, and acceptance of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are dedicated to making the world a better place for individuals with IDD by providing work and a living wage. Gabi is on the board of directors and is in charge of creating all of the coffee flavors & a specialized tea. Additionally, she works at pop up shops 3-4 times per week, delivers coffee to customers and businesses, and speaks at conferences around the country encouraging others with IDD that they, too, can start a business.
As a result of the launch and continued work of Gabi’s Grounds, Gabi herself has blossomed into a creative, confident, woman who goes around the country inspiring others with IDD. She was honored with the 2019 Self-Advocate of the Year Award by the Triangle Down Syndrome Network.
Others whose lives have been changed include Shane, Jon, Steven, who volunteer all the time at our pop ups. They talk about the Gabi’s shop opening so they can have a real job.
Gabi’s Grounds has received significant exposure and support from local and national media, including a recent appearance on the Kelly Clarkson Show.
Our success will be measured in the number of individuals with IDD we are able to hire.
