Kindness Cafe + Play Project Construction Underway

The Kindness Café + Play in Charlottesville, VA worked with the Thomas Jefferson Civitan club to present a grant for the purchase of one espresso machine, two under-counter refrigerators and an ice maker, equipment for their second location. 

Kindness Cafe + Play is a non-profit coffee shop located in Charlottesville, VA that provides employment for adults with cognitive disabilities while creating a joyful, inclusive community space. Kindness opened in July of 2020 in the lobby of the Brooks Family YMCA.

Westminster Church has generously offered to host Kindness Cafe in their Common Grounds building. This is an excellent opportunity for their organization. This location is close to the University of Virginia, student housing, University offices, and residential homes. More importantly, Westminster has offered an arrangement similar to their current agreement with the YMCA. Kindness Cafe will pay for all construction costs and purchase all necessary equipment. Then Westminster will not charge rent while Kindness is operating. This significantly decreases overhead costs going forward and creates a clear path for a sustainable future at both locations. Adding this second location will allow Kindness to hire more individuals with cognitive disabilities.