In Waco, Bitty and Beau’s Coffee and Younglife Capernaum are providing individuals with special needs the chance to find employment, community, and belonging. However, many families lack access to similar resources in their area or are unaware of their availability.
For Zach, an employee at Bitty and Beau’s, his job is more than making and serving coffee, he has been an active participant in the community and process. Zach has also been a participant in Younglife Capernaum, a ministry designed to create inclusive spaces for those with disabilities.
John Mackin, Zach’s father and Greater Waco Younglife Area Director, said that these programs have given Zach a sense of purpose, that he is a part of something.
“And he loves that, he loves, um being a part of the community here, part of the process,” he said.
Younglife Capernaum meets twice a month for club and Bible study, creating an inclusive environment for friendships and faith. However, some parents travel over an hour to access these social outings or simply do not know of their existence.
Samantha Haberly, mom to a Capernaum participant said knowing what resources exist is a big challenge.
“We didn’t learn about this until recently," she said. "And sometimes it’s not always physically getting somewhere, it’s just knowing what’s in the community and what’s available.”
Parents involved in Capernaum, as well as Zach’s parents have expressed the positive impacts these opportunities have had on their children.
Dani Mackin, Zach’s mother and a Capernaum volunteer, recognizes the progress in the area for growth. But, she says, more resources are needed.
“There’s not enough and I said, I am so grateful we are in an area that does have Younglife and Capernaum and that we do have a Bitty and Beau’s to employ some of our friends with disabilities," Dani said. "I know the community is also growing a little bit in that, and they are trying to get the word out there.”
Expansion and raised awareness is the hope of parents and volunteers as time goes on, both aiming to provide even more opportunities for inclusiveness and community wherever possible.
This story was produced by Baylor Student Abby Roper and is part of the Baylor University Student Journalism Collaboration with KWBU.