A new coffee shop in Kennesaw has opened its doors, and it’s making a difference in the lives of all of its employees.
Independent Grounds Cafe employs young adults with intellectual and developmentaldisabilities. Owned by Lorna Heid, a mother to a 17 year old who suffered a traumatic brain injury, was inspired by CNN Hero Amy Wright, who started a coffee shop run by special needs employees in North Carolina before gaining national recognition and winning the 2017 Hero award.
Heid knew she wanted to assist her 17 year old with her next step, and knew that she(and others) was capable of doing more than just attending the Transition Academy at her local high school. The coffee shop gives these young adults the opportunity to gain work skills at a pace and atmosphere that they are comfortable with. Each employee, of which there are currently 12, finds his or her own niche, whether it’s the cash register, crafting drinks or cleaning.
Located in Kennesaw, Independent Grounds is a very happy reality for the mother of two who used to drive to Buckhead daily for her job as a paralegal. The shop brews local coffee from Rev Coffee — a popular Smyrna coffee shop — and sells hand crafted baked goods daily.
The shop has been open a few weeks, but join them on April 10th for their grand opening celebration at 10:30.
Independent Grounds is located at 3900 Legacy Park Blvd, Suite A100 in Kennesaw. Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00-5:00.
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