About Kindness Cafe

It all began in the summer of 2021 after seeing a segment on the Today Show about young adults with disabilities operating a coffee shop. Hearing parents speak of how inclusive the coffee shop was, I sprung into action creating a similar opportunity in my hometown.

Kindness Cafe's doors opened on Main Street in Manasquan, employing eight young adults with disabilities, serving coffee and house based croissants. Kindness Cafe currently employs 25 people and is open 3 days a week.

Chrissy Rice, Founder

Board of Directors

Chrissy Rice

Founder / President

A lifelong resident of Manasquan and retired ESL teacher, Chrissy tirelessly advocates for those less fortunate an marginalized. She is inspired by inclusivity and kindness.

“Everyone has a purpose in this life! We all have something to offer to make the world a better place for all!”

Robert Forcillo

Vice President

Rob is inspired by the employees and the impact we are having in our community.

“The cafe’s mission is important to me because the needs of our young adults are so fundamental and deserving - I am proud to play a small role in this organization and its ability to fill a vital role in our community”

Caryn Rahill

Treasurer

“Having a son on the spectrum, I am aware of the isolation and limitations he has faced during his life. For him and other neurodiverse individuals to have a place where people "get them", they are valued, appreciated and offers socialization is critical. They are the most self motivated group of people I have ever had the privilege of working with."

Sandy Griffin

Secretary

“My career has been based in education with an emphasis on students with special needs. I believe that our mission to provide an environment that is inclusive to individuals with developmental disabilities instills opportunities to learn, grow, and build connections to their community.”

Kimberly Murin

Advertising / Marketing

Kim a local special education teacher, inspired by the café’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment is working closely with student employees at the cafe.

"The Kindness Cafe serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, showing that with the right support and mindset, individuals with special needs can achieve great things and enrich the lives of those around them. This mission is essential in fostering a more inclusive and compassionate world.”

Kristine Forcillo

Advisor

Kristine is inspired seeing the young adults learn and grow – developing confidence in their job.

“There hasn't been a prescience of young adult with developmental disabilities in our area until the Kindness Cafe opened. There is a need for acceptance and visibility.”

Kerri Lee Walsifer

Parent Liaison

The Kindness Cafe shows support, awareness and provides opportunities and confidence for our children and students to be a part of the working community.

“This mission is important to me because it has provided my son a place to go, work and socialize within our community on a regular basis.”

In the News

Coffee shop serves up employment opportunities for autistic young adults
-Autism Speaks

Now in its second school year of operations, the Kindness Café functions as a pop-up shop inside a nearby restaurant, Main Street Kitchen, on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday mornings.

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Women Making
a Difference

Manasquan's Chrissy Rice was one of the honorees in "Women Making a Difference" as recognized by The Junior League of Monmouth County for her achievements with Kindness Cafe.

Positively New Jersey: Manasquan café serves up kindness 3 days per week

A Manasquan business is serving up kindness with every cup of coffee. The Kindness Café on Main Street is an inclusive coffee shop that employs people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The café is open every Monday, Wednesday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. It is inside the Main Street Kitchen.

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Kindness Cafe in Manasquan Serves Up Opportunity

WATCH: Kindness Cafe in Manasquan serves up opportunity

How a pop-up coffee shop brings meaning to customers and baristas alike

The moment you enter Kindness Cafe on Main, you hear the sounds of happy voices, laughter and coffee perking.