Our Mission is to operate a community destination cafe, offering craft food and beverage, prepared and served by employees, twenty-two and older, with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Our cafe is a place of joy for all employees and patrons. Our vision along with the support of our community has become reality! This establishment is a labor of love where friends and families will gather and fill their cups again and again.
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps support Gerry's Cafe. Your donation is tax deductible for IRS purposes.
“Gerry’s Cafe is important to me because I love to see people in my community. They see me and my friends work. They can see people with Down Syndrome and disabilities are all the same. We just want to work, have a loving family, friends and be a part of our community. I don’t want people to think I’m special. I’m just Cristina working like everybody else.” - Cristina, age 23
“Since I worked at Forest Brew, I know I want to work with coffee. Gerry’s sounds cool. Can I work there?” - Jamie, age 22
“Gerry’s will be a perfect addition to a very giving and supportive community, Arlington Heights. The owners are amazing people and understand the need for something like this in our community. Good Luck Gerry’s!” - Cindy, Jamie's Mom
We Need Your Ongoing Support!
Become A Monthly Donor
Gerry’s Café featured on WGN Lisa Dent Show!
Gerry’s Café owner Natalie Griffin, along with her business partner Amy Philpott, joins Lisa Dent to talk about the grand opening of their new coffee shop in Arlington Heights, Saturday, August 26th! listen to interview
Apron Day at Gerry's Cafe
1802 N Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004
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To Donate by Check:
Make checks payable to:
Brewing Opportunities
mail to: c/o Natalie Griffin
1802 N. Arlington Heights Rd.
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
We proudly provide competitive employment for exceptional individuals with intellectual disabilities ages 22+