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An inspiring story about an educator who cares deeply about her former students--and who is providing the developmental disabled with the chance to run their own coffee shop.
Hopefully she will inspire others to follow her example.
AN INSPIRING STORY ABOUT A SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER WHO IS OPENING A NEW COFFEE SHOP RUN BY KIDS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
The developmentally disabled deserve the chance for meaningful employment opportunities. Tarrytown's Kim Kaczmarek, who was a special education teacher in Sleepy Hollow/Tarrytown for many years, is providing some former students with a fantastic opportunity. She's working hard and will open a new coffee shop in Sleepy Hollow this fall--the business will be run with kids with developmental disabilities The employees will also bake delicious brownies for their customers and will learn social, workplace skills. Kim highlights how dedicated many teachers are and how they care about their students. She worked for years as a special education teacher but was frustrated that her students frequently did not good jobs after graduating schools. She's doing something --and the business (Sleepy Hollow Too) will open up at 110 Beekman Ave. Many of her former students have already applied to run the shop. They are excited. They are smiling. They are looking forward to providing customers with warm and iced drinks including cold brew and expresso and delicious baked goods and breakfast casseroles. Kim is a real inspiration.
I hope that Kim's efforts will inspire others to open up stores that employ the developmental disabled. Also hope that assisted living facilities in our town and region will consider creating more job opportunities for the developmentally disabled in their facilities. (housing for employees would also be helpful). People with different disabilities also deserve a chance to work and enjoy a great life.
I interviewed Kim on my WVOX radio program about her efforts. The interview can be heard by clicking onto the link below:
PAUL FEINER
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