Lil E Espresso Cafe is the latest addition to downtown Calgary’s espresso scene, and it’s positive to place a smile in your face.
The cafe employs people with mental and developmental disabilities to assist them domesticate significant life expertise, and to create a tradition of studying and acceptance in the area people.
Paul Constance was impressed to open Lil E Espresso Cafe not solely by his three-year-old daughter Ella, who was born with Down Syndrome (“It’ll be one other 14 years or so earlier than she’s working,” he says) but additionally due to the 4,000,000+ disabled working-age Canadians who’re presently unemployed, regardless of their willingness and talent to work.
“You understand how a lot potential there may be, how cool these individuals are, and the influence they’ve on society,” says Constance. “Some have by no means had a job and are simply on the lookout for an opportunity.”
The non-profit espresso store had a tender launch on Thursday, February 4, which is Constance’s son’s birthday, so it felt like an excellent luck allure.
This gave the workforce two days of working previous to the weekend in order that they may work out any kinks earlier than formally opening this previous Monday.
“It’s not only a espresso store,” Constance explains. “However a profession platform. I hope to share the mannequin with others who need to begin extra of those in several cities. That will be superior.”
The mission of Lil E is to construct 10,000 careers, with a set of workers “graduating” from the cafe every year and being given help find roles that match their talent set.
From there, a brand new workforce will probably be employed and educated, with the purpose of empowering every of those people by bringing out the boldness and skills they have already got.
“Lots of these people are on the lookout for an opportunity to get out of the home,” says Constance, “Open the door slightly they usually simply kick it open.”
Lil E has paired with Rosso Espresso Roasters to convey a easy, conventional Italian-style menu of caffeinated drinks, whereas smoothies and partnerships with Wild Tea Kombucha and North Water spherical out their choices.
Lil E is open Monday via Friday from 7:30 am to 1 pm – pop by for a cup of espresso and a smile, and you’ll want to check out Ella’s favorite, the Lil E Power Ball.
Lil E Espresso Cafe
Deal with: Solar Life Plaza, 140 4th Avenue SW
