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 is currently open in it's own space, 5 days a week!
Visit Kindness Cafe
Tuesday-Saturday 8:30am -11:30am
305 Hwy 71
Spring Lake Heights, NJ 07762
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 and 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”
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 presence 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.”
Tara McCarten
Treasurer
As Treasurer of Kindness Cafe, Tara brings her financial expertise to support the organization's mission of creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities where the team can collaborate in an environment to learn life skills. Tara is proud to serve alongside a group of individuals dedicated to fostering inclusion, connection and kindness within the community.
"This is truly a special place, where kindnesses is infectious!"
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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.
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.
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.
