Capper Foundation and Dialogue Coffee team for job training for adults with disabilities

Keishera Lately, Topeka Capital-Journal
·2 min read
Children in the Capper Foundation's food school get to know the therapists and other participants in pre-program activities in the play zone. A new partnership with Coffee House Dialogue will allow for new opportunities.
Children in the Capper Foundation's food school get to know the therapists and other participants in pre-program activities in the play zone. A new partnership with Coffee House Dialogue will allow for new opportunities.

A new job training and employment opportunity is coming for adults with disabilities.

Dialogue Coffee House, 4009 S.W. 29th St., on April 3 will join the Capper Foundation job training and employment program for adults with disabilities.

The new partnership will allow for the organization to support more individuals in the community with career training and opportunities to be valued, enjoy access and independence while advancing their hopes and dreams.

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Leaders said the acquisition of Dialogue won't interrupt its existing model or staffing. It is expected to enhance Dialogue's and Capper’s programming to support individuals with disabilities working in community settings.

Zach Ahrens, president & CEO of Capper Foundation, said Cappers and Dialogue are "a perfect blend."

"Dialogue's staff is incredible," Ahrens said. "They serve excellent coffee and baked goods with a smile that blesses your entire day."

Owner of Dialogue Coffee House will join the Capper Foundation

Caitlyn Halsey, owner of Dialogue Coffee House, will join the Capper Foundation staff, serving as the organization's first employment services director.
Caitlyn Halsey, owner of Dialogue Coffee House, will join the Capper Foundation staff, serving as the organization's first employment services director.

Caitlyn Halsey, founder of Dialogue Coffee House, will join Capper Foundation staff, serving as the organization’s first employment services director.

She will continue to provide leadership and oversight of Dialogue while overseeing the Capper Foundation employment services program.

"Caitlyn's passion for creating employment opportunities, mentoring and friendship to individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability is in perfect alignment with Capper's vision." Ahrens said in a statement. "That every person is valued and enjoys access, independence and opportunities to advance their hopes and dreams."

Current Dialogue staff will remain at the coffee shop.

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Dialogue references the way everyone communicates with one another through the Capper foundation.

While for some people that is by verbal exchanges, for others it may be sign language or even body language cues, a Tuesday news release said. Dialogue Coffee House has an employee base of 15 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, giving everyone a place to be part of the conversation, without the definition of one's abilities.

Halsey said she was beyond excited to join the Capper Foundation while still serving the same menu items.

"We can assure you that we will continue to serve the same coffee, cookies and other many treats with the same team you have come to know and love!" Halsey said. "We see great value in this partnership to create even greater opportunities for the adults in our community with living disabilities. Together, we will advance both our missions further."

Keishera Lately is the business reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal. She can be reached at klately@cjonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @Lately_KT.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Capper Foundation and Dialogue Coffee partner for new job training