Chapters Cafe at the Lewiston Public Library opened its doors in early December and has quickly become a beloved spot in the community. The cafe’s success is not measured by sales figures but by the joy it brings to its customers.
The cafe is staffed by baristas with Down Syndrome, who are part of individualized programs through the Friends and Family Down Syndrome Association of Niagara. Andrea Sirianni, one of the baristas, was inspired to start this venture after participating in a similar program in high school. She expressed her enthusiasm for working at the cafe and spending time with her friends. Her mother, Christine Sirianni, who serves as Vice President of the Friends and Family Down Syndrome Association of Niagara, noted, “Andrea has always wanted to be able to serve people and have her own coffee shop.”
Recently, the cafe received a grant from the United Way of Niagara, which will help them acquire a mobile coffee cart.
Deborah Fleck, President of the Friends and Family Down Syndrome Association of Niagara, stated, “Lewiston holds a lot of outdoor festivals, and that’s our goal: to attend these festivals and let our participants work it.”
All proceeds from the cafe are reinvested into its operating costs. Andrea Sirianni emphasized that their mission is not about making money; rather, it is about connecting baristas with the community. She said, “We do not have enough doors opening to employ our special needs individuals. This gives them purpose and helps them feel meaningfully included while improving their language and money exchange skills.”
Chapters Cafe is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon on days when the library is operational.
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