Where every cup counts: The Arc of Wabash County’s inclusive coffeehouse
By: Christine Flohr
Travel Bee Coffee House, located in North Manchester, Ind., is not just a charming spot for coffee lovers; it plays a significant role in providing meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities through its connection with The Arc of Wabash County.
The locally loved hub serves delicious beverages, baked goods, breakfast, and lunch, and offers a place where community connections can be fostered, making it a unique and impactful establishment.
The Arc of Wabash County is an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and in 2023, they established the Travel Bee Coffee House. The Arc’s Executive Director, Jeff Patton, says that at the time, they were on the hunt for a coffee truck, but when an already established coffee house went up for sale in North Manchester, his team decided to shift their vision.
With help from a grant from the AWS Foundation, they were able to purchase the existing coffee house, and with the assistance of Fort Wayne-based roastery, Utopian Coffee, whose coffee beans are used at Travel Bee, The Arc was able to develop a menu, set up their equipment, and provide high-quality coffee products and food.
Now, the Travel Bee Coffee House’s mission is to create a welcoming space for all members of the community, while also providing inclusive employment opportunities. It’s one of many microbusinesses The Arc of Wabash County uses to develop its mission, with regard to employment opportunities and financial support.
“We’re a disability agency, so a lot of our funding is federal funding,” Patton explains. “This business model helps us be a bit more self-sustainable, rather than depending on so much federal and state funding.”
From preparing and serving food and beverages to managing customer interactions, clients of The Arc are involved in various aspects of the business. This experience is invaluable, offering individuals not only job training but also the confidence and social skills needed to thrive both in and out of the workplace. The coffee house’s inclusive employment model demonstrates a commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities, providing them with a sense of purpose and belonging.
“Our whole philosophy is to be integrated within the communities and to be inclusive, so providing folks with intellectual and developmental disabilities an opportunity to work in the same workplaces, serving the same customers, doing the same type of work that people without disabilities do,” he says.
By providing employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities, the coffee house challenges societal stereotypes and promotes a more inclusive and accepting community. It demonstrates the value of diversity in the workforce and shows how businesses can be both profitable and socially responsible.
“We don’t want to hide people away,” Patton says. “We want them to be able to work wherever they want to work and to be a very productive and valuable part of the communities where they live.”
They currently employ three people with a disability and one staff person at the Travel Bee Coffee House, but The Arc has a list of 80 individuals who are enrolled in the employment department and seeking employment in the community. Patton explains that by operating their own micro businesses, The Arc can provide more opportunities at a more competitive wage for their clients.
“It helps us decrease that dependency, and it’s a much more proven, successful way to provide competitive wages for people with disabilities,” he adds. “We can hire people with disabilities because we want to, and then we can pay them what we want to…By having our own microbusiness, we get to decide how much we pay people and how many hours they work.”
In addition to its role as a coffee house, Travel Bee hosts various events and activities that further integrate it into the community fabric. From local music performances to art exhibitions, the coffee house provides a platform for local talents to showcase their work. These events not only enrich the cultural life of North Manchester but also provide additional opportunities for clients of The Arc to engage with the community, either by helping to organize the events or simply enjoying them alongside patrons.
The presence of Travel Bee Coffee House has significantly enhanced the sense of community in North Manchester. It serves as a gathering place where locals and visitors can enjoy a warm cup of coffee and connect. The friendly and welcoming atmosphere is amplified by the staff’s dedication to excellent service and inclusivity. Customers often express their appreciation for the opportunity to interact with the staff, who bring a unique warmth and charm to the establishment.
Travel Bee Coffee House serves as an inspiring model for other communities looking to create inclusive employment opportunities. Its success underscores the importance of community support, inclusive business practices, and a commitment to social responsibility. The coffee house’s approach could be replicated in other towns and cities, fostering a broader movement towards inclusive employment and community integration for individuals with disabilities.
Travel Bee Coffee House in North Manchester, Indiana, is more than just a place to enjoy a great cup of coffee. It is a beacon of inclusivity, offering meaningful employment and fostering connections within the community.
“I like the slogan, ‘I’m disabled, I’m not unable,’” Patton says. “Every human being has the ability, and every human being should be allowed to use those abilities and to have those abilities valued by others.”
This story was created in partnership with Visit Wabash County.
