Esteamed Coffee Inc

Program community impact: workforce development program: according to the us department of labor, the labor force participation rate in january of 2024 for individuals ages 16-64 with a disability was 40.5%, compared with a rate of 77.3% for those without a disability. Currently, we have 16 adults with disabilities employed at esteamed coffee. Our managers work closely with the staff to develop their job skills and social abilities with the intent of increasing their confidence and growing their ability to join the mainstream workforce. Expenses related to this program are all general operating expenses of the cafe (cost of goods, merchandise, payroll, equipment, etc.). Local art program: each quarter, we partner with 4-6 local artists with disabilities and provide a platform for them to sell their work in the shop for commission. Most recently we have also begun hosting inclusive art markets that see 5-10 vendors with disabilities selling their work to the general public outside our store in downtown cary, for a small vendor fee (most recently 50). Expenses related to this program include 60% commissions to each artist every month. Volunteer program: our volunteer program gives adults with disabilities the chance to develop their own skills while providing a sense of accomplishment. For example, they practice social skills through greeting customers and workplace skills through maintaining the cleanliness of the caf floor alongside neurotypical volunteer guides. We also engage community volunteers in cary through opportunities to be a social event aide or serve on a committee (for example, our merchandise committee, local art committee, or gala committee). Expenses related to this program include volunteer appreciation. Social events program (new in 2023): at least twice a month, esteamed coffee hosts public events in cary for adults with disabilities. These events include game nights, karaoke parties, art classes, and more. The majority of events are grant funded, but we charge guests for those that are not. Expenses related to this program include paid time for cafe staff, one drink for each guest, and equipment such as art supplies, games, etc. Coffee mates / esteamers program (new in 2023): our coffee mates, soon to be rebranded esteamers, program is a new program that started in 2023. In this program, our staff with disabilities create designs that we feature on merchandise in the store, the full proceeds of which go back to the staff twice a year in the form of bonuses. The purpose of this program is to increase the economic opportunity for our staff in a sustainable way. Expenses related to this program include the cost of goods for merchandise and the bonus payouts to our staff.