Inclusion Cafe Academy holds first graduation, providing jobs for those with disabilities

The Inclusion Cafe Academy, dedicated to providing jobs for individuals with cognitive disabilities, celebrated the graduation of their inaugural class of nine trainees.

After 14 weeks of extensive training, students gained essential skills in customer service, food preparation and other skills necessary in the restaurant industry.

Thanks to the Salvation Army, students were able to practice in a kitchen and serve meals for two hours a day.

Inclusion Cafe Academy founder Bill Schack thanked partners such as the Children Services Council and others whose donations made their program possible. Disability service agencies EmployU and Future Pathways also attended the event to celebrate the graduates and help students with the process of entering the workforce.

Erin Morie, parent of Inclusion Cafe Academy graduate Shota Morie, says that this graduation is a huge milestone.

“Special needs children, you know, when they become adults … are forgotten about in a way, and it's very difficult for them to get employment and do anything in the community.”

Morie added: “This has been a great social experience for him and helped him get out of his shell and be around people with challenges that he faces also.”

Schack said the goal for the program is to “find opportunity and employment for our trainees,” which is exactly what they are doing.

Jacob Hunter, another Inclusion Cafe Academy graduate, landed an interview with Leon County Public Schools. And Matthew Blair, another trainee and graduate, received a job offer from McAlister’s Deli.

Schack explains during the ceremony, “And that's what we're about … we're not just a job skill place. We are a place where we want people to learn and become friends.”

Schack urges businesses in Tallahassee to give these newly trained students the opportunity to contribute to the community. “We're creating a brand-new workforce. That's what's so exciting about Inclusion Cafe and Inclusion Cafe Academy. We're creating a workforce that's going to be ready to work and wants to work, which is missing right now.”

• The Inclusion Cafe Academy is now accepting applications for their second training session starting in August. Visit the Inclusion Cafe's Facebook Page or its website, www.inclusioncafe.net, for more information.

• The Inclusion Cafe plans to open on 1711 S. Monroe St. early next year.