How did the concept for this cafe come to be?
"We always think about our son’s personal growth and how Kyle will be part of a community as he gets older. For the family what matters most is for Kyle to be able to have a purpose, that is waking up and doing something every day that will keep his interests alive and broaden his world as well. The life skills he needs to learn to achieve this purpose play a big influence on why we wanted this business. There are many life skills involved and a lot of opportunities to meet people. The journey of his small hobby business in Kyle's Kiosk made us understand how this opportunity could serve other people with diverse abilities as well. This is how we embraced the opportunity to open the coffee kiosk at BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, it is a safe place to train and empower people with diverse abilities."
Why did you choose Bean Around the World for coffee?
"One of the most powerful reasons we chose Bean Around the World as our franchise partner is their dedication to helping others on a global scale, particularly in Guatemala, where they built a school for the children to learn and acquire education. This resonates deeply with our own mission of empowerment. Bean Around the World is not only offering high-quality coffee sourced from ethically responsible farms, but they are also supporting a cause that aligns with our core belief in developing marginalized group and giving them the opportunity for personal growth."
What’s something you would like to tell your customers that they might not know?
"At the heart of our mission is a simple, yet powerful belief: every person, regardless of ability, deserves the opportunity to work, learn, and be a valued member of society. We are committed to creating awareness about the importance of offering meaningful work and skill-building opportunities to people with diverse abilities. We understand that the most important thing for any human being is to feel a sense of belonging and purpose—and it’s through these very things that we can unlock true potential and make a lasting impact.
For many individuals with diverse abilities, access to meaningful employment and educational opportunities has historically been limited. This has often led to feelings of isolation, a lack of self-worth, and missed opportunities for growth. However, we know that when people with diverse abilities are given the chance to learn new skills, contribute to their communities, and engage in work that is meaningful to them, they not only thrive but also enrich the world around them.
Our purpose is to break down the barriers that prevent individuals with diverse abilities from accessing these opportunities. By providing inclusive training programs, mentorship, and a supportive work environment, we can help people with diverse abilities build confidence, develop skills, and gain independence. We aim to show that everyone has unique talents and strengths to offer—no matter their background or challenges."
What has been the hardest part of the project?
"More than just a coffee kiosk, our mission is deeply tied to the empowerment of people with diverse abilities. We are committed to offering training, employment, and skills development to individuals who might not otherwise have these opportunities. But while this is at the heart of everything we do, spreading the word about our social cause has been an equally significant challenge.
Awareness isn’t just about where we are—it’s about what we stand for and how our business model is different from others. We want our community to understand that when they choose to enjoy a local cup of coffee with us, they’re supporting a cause that matters. They’re investing in creating a more inclusive society, one where people with diverse abilities can work, learn, and thrive. But explaining this story, especially when we’re not in the most visible or highly trafficked location (we are located at the opposite side of the BC Children’s Hospital Main building) has meant going beyond traditional marketing and reaching out in more personal, meaningful ways. This is when Global News covered our story to help us share our cause to people who work at BCCH and who visit the hospital."
Favourite menu items or drinks?
"At our coffee kiosk, we pride ourselves in offering exceptional coffee, and our customers have made it clear that two drinks stand out as their absolute favourites: the classic Drip Coffee and the bold Americano. These drinks have become staples for our regulars, and we believe it's all thanks to the incredible quality and taste of our local roaster supplier, Bean Around the World."
Plans for the future?
"Looking ahead, we plan to expand our training programs to provide even more specialized skill-building opportunities. This will include further developing barista and customer service training, as well as incorporating other areas of the business to provide a well-rounded experience. Whether it’s barista skills, food and food preparation assistance, inventory management, delivering and helping with our catering service we want our team to learn all facets of running a successful coffee kiosk. By doing this, we are not only helping to foster a sense of purpose and belonging but also equipping our employees with skills that can serve them throughout their lives."
