RALEIGH N.C. – For most of us, sipping some coffee is simply part of our daily routine. But for the folks at 321 Coffee, it’s about changing lives.
- 321 Coffee is located in a small corner at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh.
- The shop’s name is inspired by the third copy of the 21st chromosome, a condition known as Down syndrome.
- 321 Coffee hopes to open up a permanent location.
NC State Junior and 321 Coffee CEO, Lindsay Wrege began giving out free coffee at events and eventually built her own business.
Located in a small corner of the State Farmers Market in Raleigh, this shop employs adults with intellectual and mental disabilities.
The shop’s name was inspired by the third copy pf the 21st chromosome, more commonly known as Down syndrome.
Sam Hening, the shop’s first hire in 2018, makes the cramped space work, but he hopes to have a larger, permanent location to work at in the future. “When we get a little bigger location with a storefront it’ll be way more easier for everybody, might be a sit down coffee shop,” said Hening.
Wrege notes that these employees are working hard but are capable of more challenges. “They’re doing very menial work, sometimes sweeping floors, restocking shelves, when they’re capable of doing a lot more," said Wrege.
She also notes that a permanent storefront would allow her to increase employee hours by 400%. She also realizes this would open more opportunities for employee benefits.
“…which would be incredible because these adults want to work and we want to let them work,” said Wrege.
Wrege has begun raising money for a new permanent location via GoFundMe.
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