Who We Are
80% of adults with disabilities are unemployed.
Our Mission
Our mission is to operate a community destination café that offers craft food and beverages prepared and served by employees 22 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through this café, we aim to build relationships, build confidence, and build connections.
Our incredibly gifted and capable employees have historically been left out of the workforce due to antiquated beliefs about their abilities. So we aim to create a place where these individuals can earn a paycheck, connect with and contribute to their community, and feel at home.
Our Vision
With Gerry’s Café, we aim to create a community where everyone feels seen and valued. We’re building a space where people can get a pick-me-up for the soul — where the jolt of energy you get from your coffee is nothing compared to the energy that comes from connecting with our joyful team. While our employees fill your cup, we hope to fill theirs by giving them opportunities to excel at their work.
Our Story
Meet Gerry
Gerry’s Café is named after Amy’s Aunt, Geralyn Wehmer, who was the youngest of six children. In 1958, it was strongly recommended that children with Down syndrome be institutionalized. With a long wait list at Misericordia, Gerry’s parents brought Gerry home from the hospital, and Gerry changed their lives forever.
Gerry was a ray of sunshine. She brought unconditional love, laughter, and joy to her family and changed the way people around her viewed a child with Down syndrome. When Misercordia called to announce Gerry’s space was ready, her family said the only place for Gerry was at home with her family.
Gerry’s time on this earth was not long. She died one month shy of her 4th birthday.
We honor Geralyn Wehmer with Gerry’s Café. In her name, we will provide a place where her community can thrive, feel a sense of purpose, contribute, and bring the same joy she brought to her family and friends
Meet Natalie
As a former Special Education teacher, Natalie spent years helping young adults with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, spina bifida and a variety of other medical conditions prepare for the next phase in their lives. Despite the fact that her students had massive potential, they weren’t getting hired. The northwest suburbs offer many quality recreation and living programs, but Natalie was continually disappointed by the lack of businesses that were willing to take a chance on individuals with incredible potential, work ethic, and passion.
So she decided to do something about it. Relying on her work, volunteer, and entrepreneurial experience, she set out to open Gerry’s Café with Amy, giving adults with disabilities a sense of purpose and belonging.
Meet Amy
Amy's background as a licensed Real Estate Broker and former owner of Tuscan Market & Wine Shop highlights her deep understanding of the importance of community connections and support. Her experience running a beloved local establishment like Tuscan Market & Wine Shop, often referred to as the "Cheers" of Arlington Heights, likely provided her with valuable insights into fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among community members. Amy's desire to give back after decades of serving her real estate and wine shop clients demonstrates her deep commitment to her community. Honoring her late Aunt Gerry and leaning on her restaurant expertise, she co-founded Gerry’s Café.
Make a Difference
Gerry's Café is changing lives by providing an extensive training experience that teaches transferable job and life skills. Though we employ more than 40 adults with disabilities, we’d like to do more. With your help, we can expand Gerry’s Café locations and open related ventures, creating more employment opportunities for adults with disabilities.
