PEABODY, MASS. - Through the Massachusetts Turning 22 program, Northshore Arc -- which provides job training services and support annually to more than 10,000 disabled people -- has opened a new cafe on Main Street in downtown Peabody to train disabled young adults.
Breaking Grounds Cafe employs people with intellectual and physical disabilities to help become participants in the community.
According to the Lawrence Eagle-Tribune, Massachusetts spent $7.6 million on Turning 22 last year, but this year Governor Charlie Baker proposed more than $21 million for Turning 22 in the preliminary budget.
Kids that receive special education due to a wide range of disabilities become ineligible for school programs and services at age 22. The Turning 22 funding helps them transition into the adult service system.
Sometimes parents of disabled young adults have to leave their jobs to take care of their adult children, and they can end up isolated from peers at home with nothing to do.
Local agencies like Northshore Arc run workshops, housing programs and services to help disabled young adults achieve a meaningful life.
Tim Brown, director of innovation and strategy for Northshore Arc, told Fox25 news that the cafe is designed to provide basic training and food service experience that leads to permanent hospitality and customer service jobs in the community.
In addition to a range of beverages there are sandwiches, outdoor seating and there will be music on Friday nights.
