More than a Cup of Joe: Coffee Shop Gives Adults With Mental Disabilities A Chance to Work
Read Transcript
There's a coffee shop in
Wilmington, North Carolina,
serving up more than just
your average cup of joe.
Talia Wise joins
us now to tell us
about the shop that is giving
people with special needs
the chance to work.
Well, Efrem, you won't
find a more welcoming shop
than Bitty & Beau's in
Wilmington, North Carolina.
This shop gives people
with special needs
the chance to work.
And it's putting smiles
on everyone's faces.
Bitty & Beau employees welcome
customers, take drink orders,
and run the cash register.
The shop's owner Amy Wright says
it was an idea God gave her.
And it was inspired by
her own two children
who have Down syndrome.
Hi.
My name's Beau.
And this is Bitty.
Say hi.
Hi.
We're brother and sister.
And we love singing and dance.
TALIA: These two are not
looking for jobs right now,
but their mom has always had a
heart to help people like them.
You see, almost everyone
on staff has a disability,
from Down syndrome to autism
and even cerebral palsy.
But thanks to Amy, they're
living out their work dreams
and having a good time doing it.
The shop is a big
hit in this town.
Amy told us the
best part of her job
is building a community
of acceptance, inclusion,
and love.
Not a day goes by
that tears aren't shed.
And they're happy
tears because we feel
like we're making a difference.
And we see that
when guests come in,
and their hearts are changed.
TALIA: Her crew is the
heart behind this business,
and they are helping to
bridge a gap in Wilmington.
So if you're ever in
the Wilmington area,
stop by and grab a cup of joe.
That's CBN good news.
I'm Talia Wise.
Until next time,
make time to spread
a little bit of good news.
Good news indeed.