In this episode, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with Lenea Detore, an occupational therapist and the founder of the Caring Cup. They discuss her mission to launch a nonprofit coffee shop in Lancaster County specifically designed to employ and support adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. Listeners will learn how the community can bridge the gap for individuals who lose access to school-based services at age 21 and how to create environments where everyone feels they belong.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Identify the "cliff" many adults with disabilities face when school-based services cease at age 21.
• Understand the distinction between for-profit models and nonprofit employment that prioritizes life skills over efficiency.
• Explore how sensory-friendly environments, such as dimmed lighting and reduced noise, empower employees to succeed.
• Discover the importance of individualized vocational assessments to match tasks with an individual's specific sensory seeking or avoiding needs.
• Recognize the need for "resource hubs" that help families navigate the complex landscape of government aid and community support.
• Learn about the upcoming physical location and "campus" for disability services planned for Leacock Township.

Key Quotes:

"One mother said to me one time, 'the bus stops coming and the child is forgotten.' Meaning that at age 21, the child no longer goes to school or the adult at that point with disabilities can no longer go to school." — Lenea Detore

"I wanted a job that is out in the community interacting with their peers, interacting with other members of the community and trying to find their passion." — Lenea Detore

"I want this to be a place where you feel unjudged completely and welcome to have those behaviors and a staff member who is educated can try to help you." — Lenea Detore

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned:

• The Caring Cup Website: Purchase locally roasted coffee beans and learn about the board of directors at thecarryingcup.com.
• Spring Fundraiser: Join the team on May 16th at Pequea Valley High School to support the capital campaign.
• Social Media: Follow the journey on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook for construction updates.
• Sunrise Coffee: The local roasting partner located in Intercourse, Pennsylvania.

About the Guest:

Lenea Detore is a pediatric occupational therapist who is transitioning her clinical expertise into the world of social entrepreneurship. Motivated by the lack of vocational opportunities for her former patients reaching adulthood, she founded the Caring Cup to provide job training, life skills, and a supportive community space in Lancaster County.

About the Know and Follow Podcast:

The Know and Follow podcast is a production of Grace Community Church of Willow Street, located at 212 Peach Bottom Road in Willow Street, Pennsylvania. Join us for weekend services on Saturdays at 6 PM, Sundays at 8 AM, 9:15 AM, and 11 AM. Learn more at gccws.net.