Autistic man runs a café on a mission of inclusion
Jacob McFarland loved brewing and bringing coffee to his parents, earning him the family nickname "Barista Jake" that spread throughout the rest of Norristown, Pennsylvania . And now his 21 year old with autism has his own cafe.
Making coffee for his dad is a passion. "It makes me feel very, very happy. It's true. I'm telling the truth. It's totally true," Jacob told CBS News. I'm telling you," his mom Angela said. “Jacob is a huge fan of his father and my husband loves coffee. Everything my husband likes, Jacob loves. I didn't know I was immersed in all sorts of research about coffee blends, the best water, water temperature, all the technology.I didn't know any of that." }
His parents ran a record store in town that had to close temporarily when the pandemic hit because it was not an essential business. . Jacob, who was 19 at the time and had graduated from high school, was still attending continuing education courses, but dropped out of that as well.
"He craves a routine and the pandemic has eliminated it," Angela said. "So I decided to build a curbside coffee cart outside the store."
Coffee His cart keeps customers going, even though they can't buy records inside the store. It was a way to Jacob was able to fulfill his dream of becoming "Barista Jake," so there was a double benefit, his mother said.
"That turned into the community's overwhelming appreciation for Jacob," she added.
Cart eventually put the record in his store. The barista has expanded his coffee closet with Jake. "I had to make hot coffee. I watched a video and learned how to make iced coffee. Then I got a license to serve food. So I prepare breakfast." ' said Jacob.
Coffee Not only was his business successful, it helped change Jacob's life. "Since then, it's been just a whirlwind. The fact that Jacob, you ask a question and he has an answer, is something that would never have happened two years ago," said Angela.
The café expanded further by employing other young people with disabilities and helping them find future jobs.
"We want it to be a safe place for people like this to come, feel the service and value, and learn professional skills," she said. “We also help design and prepare resumes and conduct mock interviews.Eventually, we plan to have a small storage facility where interview attire can be stored, so they can go out and prepare for the interview.
The café regularly raises money for local charities, offering scholarships, homeless organizations, and autism relief. In total, we have raised about $27,000 for organizations for people and more.
Having a business also helps Jacob socialize. “He had people at school, but he never stayed out. had no such experience," his mother said. "And now when I hear him having a very organic, casual conversation with a colleague, they high-five me and say, 'Hey, nice to meet you, buddy,' and I don't know what that brings to me."
For McFarlands, Coffee Closet is more than just a family business. , a welcoming place for all and Jacob's legacy. “I think he feels like he has a purpose, and he’s really excited to come to work. I'll start making coffee before you walk in the door," said Angela.
"He has found a social side of himself. Even if all this were to disappear tomorrow, Jacob's promotion in two and a half years is worth everything." 162}
Caitlin O'Kane is a digital content producer covering stories for CBS News and its Good News brand.Uplift
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