Whole Latte Love Cafe has mission of good coffee, employing young adults with disabilities

Whole Latte Love Cafe is about more than great coffee.

Inspired by her own daughter, founder Beth Humbert also has a mission of filling the need for employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Whole Latte Love Cafe is about “making a difference,” Humbert said.

Operating as a nonprofit, the cafe had its grand opening in January.

“The cafe is definitely much more than a cup of Joe,” Humbert wrote in an email. “We not only appreciate diversity, we celebrate it. ... The platform allows them to be seen and heard. The reality is they are the most dedicated group of employees who desire nothing more than to belong — just like anyone else.”

Along with lattes and other coffee drinks, breakfast and lunch options are also available.

“Currently, the premise behind our menu is teaching activities of daily living,” Humbert said. “The energy bites, our fresh salads, the protein boxes and the egg soufflés are all items made by our trainees.”

During an email interview, Humbert offered more insight into what makes Whole Latte Love Cafe unique and meaningful.

Q. What inspired you to open the business? 

A. “Many high school students with intellectual or developmental disabilities who have relied on Individualized Educational Supports throughout their academic years are graduating without the self-awareness or self-advocacy skills needed to successfully navigate their new independence,” Humbert wrote. “According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 14% of Ohioans live with a disability. Census numbers show many in this population continue to face major obstacles in accessing education and jobs.

“Nationwide, the jobless rate for people with disabilities is more than double that of people without disabilities, with Ohio’s unemployment rate for people with disabilities at 64.8%.”

Humbert is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and has been assisting people with disabilities with vocational goals in the community for the past 20 years.

“Determined to help (Humbert’s) daughter and those of her peers move forward in a proactive way, Whole Latte Love Cafe ... was created to not only teach transferable customer service skills, but to change the way people view other people.”

Q. It sounds like there’s a higher purpose to the cafe than serving coffee and food. 

A. “Meaningful work has significant benefits for all working-age adults, including people with developmental disabilities. These benefits all contribute to the diversity of our workforce and enrichment of our community. The Bible tells us we are all fearfully and wonderfully made. We have all been created differently and are unique and gifted with a purpose. We honestly have much to learn from them. Caroline and her peers are the most sincere and genuine people who (you) will ever meet.

“Each day, we learn a little bit more about them,” Humbert wrote. “With the right supports, they are improving their work skills and defying those unemployment statistics. When anyone has the opportunity to work in an environment where their time and talents are embraced, only great things emerge ...”

Q. Why is it important to offer job training and provide opportunities for people with disabilities? 

A. “In 2021, 83% of organizations said they had diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. These policies were developed to guide leaders and employees to create safer and more equitable work environments for all team members. The reality is disability is often left out of the DEI discussion. One in four Americans lives with a disability, according to the CDC. Disability doesn’t discriminate. It affects people from all walks of life and all demographics.

“What makes us so afraid of people who are different? Why do we become uncomfortable when we encounter someone who struggles to communicate or walks with a limp or has unique eyes? We are simply offering job training to help a few people in Stark County live their best lives. We are hardworking, welcoming and kind. Our desires are the same as everyone else. We all need to feel valued ...”

Q. What keeps you so upbeat? 

A. “In the end, all the glory and honor go to God because this was truly His plan,” Humbert explained. “I simply accepted the challenge, and my husband was gracious enough to support my ideas. This project has gone through so much and evolved over the years into something we could have never imagined.

“From our fundraising days, to the planning and the construction phases and all the support in between, we would not be where we are today without God’s intervention. Building a strong board of directors who bring diverse talents, passions and connections to the table, as well as establishing strategic mission-driven goals for the organization’s future are all concepts we learned as a team.

“Fortunately, we selected a community who embraced the mission and vision from day one. We aren’t just upbeat. We are blessed.”

Q. What have you learned about running the cafe that you didn’t realize before opening it? 

A. “It’s everything I thought it would be and so much more. Walking into the shop each day, being greeted by smiling faces of folks who genuinely want to be at work and having the opportunity to visit with all of our amazing customers is like having the best day ever, every day.”

Q. Tell me about the beverages, baked goods and food you offer. 

A. “We offer freshly brewed, as well as espresso hot and cold coffee drinks, including an iced coffee and a cold brew, as well as a variety of flavors from Republic of Tea and various smoothies and frappes. Our baked goods are locally outsourced and include allergy-friendly food items too; however, once we have an oven, we have plans to bake our own scones. We are also planning to add sandwiches. ... Each month, a new specialty drink is created by one of our trainees and promoted on social media. Bobby created our first special drink in December: a Spiced Brown Sugar Cinnamon Latte, and people still order it today.”

Q. There are a lot of coffee shops. What do you think makes your cafe stand out? 

A. “There are a lot of coffee shops in Stark County. We intentionally do not have a drive-thru because I wanted customers to know who was making their drinks, and obviously, our mission is to change the way people view, include, respect, value and accept other people. The ambiance of our cafe immediately grabs your attention. Then you are greeted with a smile and a fresh conversation. ... We are the friendliest, most warm-hearted cafe, and we want you to leave 100% lifted.”

Q. Why should coffee lovers check out Whole Latte Love Cafe? 

A. “We care about every order we complete and ensure it is made accurately each and every time. We care enough to use only high-quality ingredients and that every drink is made with love from our trainees. ... Besides the warm greetings, the hugs and the smiles, we also offer teas, yummy hot chocolate and specialty drinks to ensure everyone who comes into the cafe will have an awesome experience. We want to please you. We want to leave a lasting impression ...”

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Whole Latte Love Cafe in North Canton serves java, food, inspiration