BREWING INCLUSION MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS
BY RUTH CRAWFORD THE KINDNESS CAFE OPENS NEW LOCATION AT MANASQUAN BANK
neuro diverse backgrounds working in restaurants. She expresses the affect the segment had on her, “While watching the interviews, I was blown away. It was clear the experience had such an impact on not just the students but all of the employees and patrons. I went back to work teaching in the fall, but I couldn’t shake the idea especially as I was working with my students. I wanted to create something similar for our own community.” The Kindness Café collaborated first with the Center for Learning and Independence run out of Manasquan High School. This program, which was run at the time by Jen Dyer, assists neurodivergent children after they turn 18. Today, the café continues to be run every Monday by the students. FROM POP-UP TO PERMANENT Then, in the fall of 2022, the café opened a pop-up store out of Main Street Kitchen. The popularity for the café grew, and Rice knew that the growth meant the cafe needed its own space. Through grants and support from Manasquan Bank, the non-profit organization has had the opportunity to flourish in its new space. The response since The Kindness Café’s opening has been extremely positive. The café provides a welcoming space to get a coffee while running errands at the bank. The convenience of the café, as
Photo by Industry Media
Employees loving coming to work at The Kindness Cafe Photo by Industry Media
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Photo by Industry Media
Cafe had a vision to create a space for neurodivergent individuals to be meaningfully employed and create a space that is enjoyable for the employees and customers alike. Manasquan Bank is known for their commitment to supporting programs that enrich our community. At one of the Manasquan Bank Charitable Foundation’s grant breakfasts, the need for relocation of The Kindness Cafe was presented by Chrissy Rice and her board. Manasquan Bank had available space at their Spring Lake office, and decided to use the opportunity to create some real change. INSPIRATION SPARKS A MOVEMENT Chrissy Rice was originally inspired by a 2021 segment on the “Today Show” that highlighted students with
tep inside The Kindness Cafe, and you are immediately enveloped by a sense of warmth and connection. Inside the bustling Manasquan Bank in Spring Lake Heights, this cozy corner is more
than just a coffee shop. It is a place where community and kindness blend seamlessly. Whether you’re running errands or meeting with a friend, the cafe enhances the traditional bank visit and elevates the standard coffee shop experience with its inviting atmosphere and meaningful mission. MISSION DRIVEN COLLABORATION The Kindness Café emerged from a shared interest between Manasquan Bank’s commitment to community support and the café’s mission. Chrissy Rice, the founder of The Kindness
22 February 2025
Stroll Spring Lake 23
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