Indiegogo is committed to accessibility. If you have difficulty using our site, please contact support@indiegogo.com for assistance or view our accessibility notice by clicking here

This campaign is closed

Dirt Coffee Bar

A local coffee bar with the mission to employ young adults with autism while serving organic, locally roasted, fairly traded coffee & allergen friendly pastries

You may also be interested in

Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed

Dirt Coffee Bar

Dirt Coffee Bar

Dirt Coffee Bar

Dirt Coffee Bar

Dirt Coffee Bar

A local coffee bar with the mission to employ young adults with autism while serving organic, locally roasted, fairly traded coffee & allergen friendly pastries

A local coffee bar with the mission to employ young adults with autism while serving organic, locally roasted, fairly traded coffee & allergen friendly pastries

A local coffee bar with the mission to employ young adults with autism while serving organic, locally roasted, fairly traded coffee & allergen friendly pastries

A local coffee bar with the mission to employ young adults with autism while serving organic, locally roasted, fairly traded coffee & allergen friendly pastries

Emily Wallace
Emily Wallace
Emily Wallace
Emily Wallace
1 Campaign |
Denver, United States
$27,301 USD 147 backers
109% of $25,000 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal

Many of us are familiar with the idea of socially conscious coffee – pay a little more to ensure fair trade or choose a certain brand to support humanitarian programs. Dirt Coffee Bar is taking the socially conscious concept one step further – coffee served by the very people your purchase supports.

When it opens in 2014 Dirt will be run largely by young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Dirt aims to empower the autism community by providing young adults with the opportunity to grow personally, cultivate professional skills, and earn an income – all while serving great coffee to the community. Dirt will be the foundation of growth for its employees. 

Dirt Coffee Bar is a project founded by Garden, Inc. Garden provides services to children, adolescents, and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Garden’s Employment Cultivation Program provides clients with pre-vocational training needed to attain and maintain employment. In 2013, the Employment Cultivation Program was nationally recognized as an Exemplary Organization by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research due to its success working with adults on the spectrum. Most of the jobs Garden’s Employment Cultivation Program finds for clients are through community partnerships and external companies. By establishing a coffee shop run by young adults with autism, Garden will be able to provide clients with secure and supportive employment focused on growth and independence.

Starting a coffee shop run by adults with autism has long been a dream of Garden Founder, Lauren Thome, and Garden Therapist, Emily Wallace. The co-founders of Dirt are passionate about impacting the autism community and each personally work as employment cultivation specialists with Garden clients. The partnership with Garden will pair experienced therapists with young adults with autism, ensuring that clients receive necessary training and support as they embark on their careers.

 Why Support Dirt?

Dirt’s mission is to “empower the autism community by raising awareness, cultivating jobs and creating sustainable prosperity through quality coffee.”  As the number of individuals with autism is increasing, so is the number of young adults with autism who are unable to find employment.

People with disabilities who work and live independently use fewer social services and financial support from the government. By supporting Dirt, you are creating jobs for young adults with autism.  

Why is Dirt Different?

Dirt will be 100% socially responsible. We begin with organic, fair-trade coffee, air roasted by Kaladi Coffee in Denver and grown by Café Femenino certified farms. The Café Femenino foundation strives to support women in coffee-producing communities throughout the world. The coffee is then brewed at Dirt by young adults with autism.  We’re focused on being socially responsible from the ground all the way to the cup. A latte served up with the opportunity to support a great cause? Maybe it’s time to put a little Dirt in your coffee cup.

Your contribution will be used to:

·       Buy high quality equipment including an espresso machine, coffee grinders and brewers

·       Pay rent, licenses, and start-up costs

·       Employ two young adults with autism part-time for the first year

·       Provide these employees job coaching and training through Garden 


Looking for more information? Check the project FAQ
Need more information
Let us know if you think this campaign contains prohibited content.

Choose your Perk

featured

Eco-friendly Coffee Sleeve

$10 USD
These felt coffee sleeves, handmade by young adults with autism, are environmentally friendly and stylish. No two sleeves are the same!
Estimated Shipping
February 2014
2 claimed

Pie Lauren in the face

$5 USD
Choose who gets pie'd in the face at our Grand Opening! To vote for Lauren - donate here!
Estimated Shipping
April 2014
12 claimed

Pie Emily in the face

$5 USD
Choose who gets pie'd in the face at our Grand Opening! To vote for Emily - donate here!
Estimated Shipping
April 2014
5 claimed

Dirt Coupon Book

$56 USD
Only 56% of individuals with autism graduate high school - Help us support people on the spectrum with a $56 donation and receive a coupon book to Dirt. Good for 2 drinks, 2 pastries, and 20% all merchandise!
1 out of 10 of claimed

Flower Pot Coffee Mug

$100 USD
This flower pot coffee mug has been custom printed with Dirt's logo, so you can show your support every time you enjoy your coffee!
Estimated Shipping
February 2014
12 claimed

Dirt Coffee Sampler

$250 USD
One bag of each of our medium roast, dark roast, and espresso.
Estimated Shipping
February 2014
4 claimed

Create a Drink

$500 USD
Donate $500 and you'll have the chance to create a recipe and name your very own drink, to be featured on Dirt's menu! *All drinks subject to approval
1 claimed

Dirt Gift Set

$1,000 USD
This awesome gift set includes two bags of coffee, one bag of espresso, plus a mug, keychain, earrings, coffee sleeve, and button. Perfect for any coffee lover!
Estimated Shipping
February 2014
2 claimed

Free Coffee for a Year

$2,500 USD
Ideal for any coffee lover, near or far! You choose unlimited coffee drinks from our new shop or a pound of our coffee shipped to you each month for a year.
Estimated Shipping
February 2014
0 claimed

You may also be interested in

Up Caret