Our Story
After years of working in workforce development with individuals with disabilities, our team has heard many questions—but one has always stood out: “What’s out there for us?”
It’s a powerful question. And it wasn’t just about services or support—it was about identity. What we heard, time and again, from parents and participants was that they felt unseen and misunderstood in the very systems meant to support them. We heard this question for years. And for years, we searched for a space that offered the answer. Eventually, we came to a difficult truth: that space didn’t exist. So, we stopped searching—and started building. We committed to becoming the answer ourselves.
Connect Café is more than a resource.
It’s personal. It’s intentional. And it’s long overdue.
Our Purpose
Connect Café was created to fill critical gaps in the workforce system and address inequities faced by individuals who are often overlooked—particularly those experiencing the combined impact of racial injustice and disabling barriers. Offering a menu of services, that focus on three key pillars, connection, community, contribution, we aim to serve individuals and their families.
Be on the lookout. Our official launch is coming soon! We’re excited to share more about our organization that brings purpose beyond profit.
Meet Our Board of Directors
Our leadership team is made up of passionate changemakers who believe in the transformative power of opportunity.
Stacey Stephens
Visionary advocate and strategic leader
Calvin Mills
Workforce development and community builder
Yolanda Burris
Social justice and accessibility advocate