(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – So far, so good, for Gerry's Café, a coffee shop in the northwest suburbs that employs adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
"Everyone walks in and smiles, and our Google reviews have been great," says Natalie Griffin, co-founder of the not-for-profit operation.
Employees range in age from their 20s to 50s. All historically have been "told 'no' so many times," Griffin said.
"Some of them have been waiting for a chance to prove themselves and we have given them that chance. We've said, 'Yes, come to Gerry's. Come show your skills.'"
And they are showing their skills. Forty-three people are employed at Gerry's doing everything from food prep and barista work to being cashiers and cleaning tables. They get paid nearly $16 an hour.
"We see the pride, the joy. We've heard from the parents how happy they are," says Griffin.
Amy Philpott is the other co-founder. Gerry's Café is named for her aunt, Geralyn Wehmer, who was born with Down syndrome in 1958 and died before her fourth birthday.
"We don't have a drive-through. That is not part of our model because we want people to come into the café, experience the feeling, you know, because there is a vibe," Philpott said.
Gerry's Café opened at the end of August at 1802 N. Arlington Heights Road in Arlington Heights.
"Our community and the surrounding communities and Chicagoland has found us to be kind of a bright light and people are still finding out about us so we're becoming that true destination, like, 'Let's go check 'em out,'" Philpott said.
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