A coffee shop that primarily hires adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities is now open in Roswell.
RUMC Coffee House, a collaboration between Independent Grounds Cafe and Roswell United Methodist Church, opened last week at 846 Mimosa Blvd.
Owner Lorna Heid opened Independent Grounds Cafe last year in Kennesaw, inspired by her daughter, Emma. The 19-year-old suffered a traumatic brain injury after contracting meningitis at birth. Heid wanted to provide Emma and others with similar disabilities with job opportunities.
“For many of our employees, this is their first job opportunity,” said Heid in a prepared statement. “So to see them grow in confidence and develop their skills -- that they can then take anywhere -- is such a profound honor.”
The coffee shop’s mission prompted Roswell United Methodist Church to reach out to Heid to see if their space could be used as a second location for Independent Grounds.
“Our goal is to continue to expand and grow and be a resource for other families and communities who want to support a business model like ours,” Heid said. “There is an entire work force of adults with special needs who are ready and willing to work and make a huge impact on those around them. All they need is to be given a chance to shine.”
RUMC Coffee House is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday.
846 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell. 678-243-5920, rumccoffeehouse.com/
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