Katie Jenkins, owner and executive director of Baton Rouge’s Grace Therapy Center, is opening a new coffee shop with a mission on Airline Highway.
Grace Therapy Center, founded in 2021, serves children with autism and other developmental differences. Jenkins says her new café, called Stir, is an extension of the clinic’s work. It will provide job opportunities for people with developmental or intellectual disabilities.
Stir will work alongside a new nonprofit called Strides, which Jenkins is also launching. Strides will offer job interview coaching and connect individuals with local employers.
“We saw a big gap in employment services and opportunities for these individuals,” Jenkins told. “We decided to close that gap.”
The idea for Stir was inspired by similar projects nationwide, many started by parents looking to create opportunities for their own children with disabilities. The coffee shop hopes to raise awareness and promote inclusion through everyday interactions, while giving employees valuable work experience.
Stir’s menu will include popular coffee shop items like lattes, teas, and pastries. It will open this fall at 15405 Airline Highway.
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