SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A café in Sacramento is making a difference in the community by employing people with intellectual disabilities who might otherwise have difficulties finding jobs.
In April 2024, Davis-based non-profit organization Purple Tree Café opened their first brick and mortar shop inside the UC Davis MIND Institute at 2825 50th Street in Sacramento.
The non-profit was established in 2018 and has been providing employment for people with neurodevelopmental challenges since they had their original stall at the Davis Farmer's Market and community events.
"I feel like I fit in because we can be ourselves," said Bea Bastino from Woodland, who has a learning disability. She has volunteered and worked for the non-profit since its beginnings.
The MIND Institute invited the nonprofit to use the café in Sacramento after the pandemic.
"Disability is another form of diversity, and we're always striving to be more inclusive," said Marjorie Solomon, associate director of the MIND Institute.
"It's a lovely place. I'm blessed to be having a job here," said Tynam Spalding, from Davis, who also works at Purple Tree Café.
The job helps Spalding pay bills and rent an apartment.
"I have a disability called high functioning autism," he said. "There's some stuff I need help with and I get support on the things I need help with."
He rings up orders and washes dishes at the shop. The café offers coffee, tea and vegan baked goods, but he said his favorite parts are getting discounts on the treats they serve and serving customers.
"It makes me happy because I'm very outgoing. I like to talk to people and make new friends," Spalding said.
What makes Purple Tree Café different is their mission to promote an inclusive community and workplace.
Associate Director/Operations Manager Kelsey Fortune said through the Sacramento café, the nonprofit has more than double the employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
"It's totally changed my life and I'm lucky enough to get to be part of seeing the employees lives be changed as well... people who may not ever have luck in the competitive labor market without someone giving them a chance," she said.
They are hoping to normalize having a disability in the workplace. At the café, they offer supported employment where supervisory staff help employees with tasks when needed.
The MIND Institute hopes Purple Tree Café will set an example for others in the future.
The café is open to the public Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on 50th Street in Sacramento. To learn more about Purple Tree Café, click here.
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