COVINGTON, Ky. — A coffee shop in Covington is providing opportunities for people who have disabilities to learn critical life skills. After a few months of renovations, it recently celebrated its grand reopening.
Being a barista can be complicated. Remembering countless combinations of coffee, syrup, milk and whatever else could be overwhelming to someone who’s only been on the job for a month.
But Chloe Summe comes with experience, so she’s able to whip up whatever a customer is in the mood for with ease.
“I like all the different combinations, and just kind of learning how to make the different drinks, and connecting with the customers that are regulars, and even the ones that aren’t regulars as much,” Summer said. “I worked at a Starbucks before, so I am interested in being a barista and making drinks. And when I found out that the Point was hiring, I found out more about their overall message, and I wanted to support that.”
Point Perk Coffee is operated by the nonprofit Point/Arc of Northern Kentucky. The shop brings workers in, trains them and familiarizes them with basic work skills.
“Our mission is to provide opportunities for individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities to reach their highest potential residentially, socially, vocationally and educationally. So our whole concept is filling in the service gaps. What can we do that other agencies are not doing to provide normalcy and inclusion? We’re all about inclusion,” said president Judi Gerding. “It’s just changing lives. Not only the lives of those we serve, but their families. And actually the community.”
The shop just recently celebrated its grand reopening after a few months of renovations. It’s been in Covington since 1982 and was a restaurant before switching to coffee in 2015.
Summe said, while she hasn’t been working there long, the job has already made a great impact on her life.
“I think it’s a wonderful thing they do. Because I feel like not a lot of places do that type of thing. And it’s good to include everyone and everything,” she said. “It’s been a very positive experience, because I’ve been kind of exposed to working with individuals with disabilities. And I’ve never really been exposed to that before. So it’s nice to kind of expand my horizons and work with all people.”
Coffee might not be what she does forever, but Summe takes pride in her work. And if anyone needs a caramel, hazelnut, vanilla latte, they probably won’t find one much better than at Point Perk.
The Point/Arc operates four businesses where people with disabilities can develop their skills. The nonprofit will celebrate its 52nd anniversary in June.