Rose Cat Coffee Co. & Reading Society in Lincoln not only serves coffee and books but is also a beacon of inclusivity, employing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Owned by Brenda Kasaty, a social worker with experience in special needs, the coffee shop provides meaningful employment opportunities to its staff, including Elissa Fuelberth and Courtney Roth, who face their own unique challenges. Named after Ellia Westburg, a friend's daughter who lived with a muscular disorder and created the persona "Rose Cat," the shop honors her memory and continues her legacy of overcoming limitations. Kasaty’s vision extends beyond business, aiming to foster community awareness and integration for people with special needs, all within the warm, welcoming environment of her coffee shop.
Enjoying the read? Subscribe for free to one of the fastest-growing newsletters and get weekly coffee news (TL;DR updates) delivered right to your inbox.