3 days ago
Oklahoma coffee shop employing those with special needs hit by federal cuts
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — A popular Oklahoma coffee shop known for creating opportunities for those with special needs is facing uncertainty.
Not Your Average Joe is one of several non-profits that have been hit by federal cuts from the Department of Government Efficiency, slashing AmeriCorps staff.
The shop focuses on employing those with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities.
'77.5% of that constituency are underemployed or unemployed altogether after high school,' said Tim Herbel, founder and executive director of Not Your Average Joe.
Isaac Meyers would be in that percentage if it wasn't for this job.
'It's been like one of the best things that can ever happen,' said Meyers.
He's not doing it alone. Over the years, AmeriCorps members have worked alongside those like Meyers.
'They've just always been helping me to know more of what I can do and to help me have more of what we can do as a team,' said Meyers.
Herbel says over the last three years, Not Your Average Joe has had 22 AmeriCorps members.
'They have served as mentors for those with disabilities, they help us build capacity in our community and they helped us grow to the point that we could provide this amazing award winning model of inclusionary employment for those with disabilities,' said Herbel.
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Now that support is being cut and the timing couldn't be worse.
Not Your Average Joe is in the process of expanding, after Stella Nova donated all of its locations to their mission.
'We're about to hire up to 100 more Friends with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities and so we were about to receive six AmeriCorps members to serve alongside those individuals with disabilities, but now that's gone,' said Herbel.
David Manning is neurotypical and works at Not Your Average Joe. He says the loss of AmeriCorps workers will be tough.
'Obviously less mentors that results in a harder training, environmental training and less time to prepare other employees for the job,' said Manning.
Not Your Average Joe is now looking for more volunteers and donations to help fill the gap.
To learn more, click here.
Another way you can always help is being a customer.
'Your coffee is going to make your day better, but that interaction is going to make your day even better and that's what it's all about,' said Herbel.
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