Camp CapAbility café pops up celebrates ability, inclusion and independence

NORTH HILLS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- An incredible group of neurodiverse young adults got the chance to express themselves one cup at a time by opening up their very own cafe.

As part of New Horizons' summer program, Camp CapAbility, students in North Hills opened Expresso on Wednesday, serving espressos to real customers, and learning entrepreneurial and customer service skills they can use in the future. 

“Camp CapAbility is actually more than a summer camp, it’s a place where students can come in and, work on their strengths, build their confidence and as well as, get some real job work experience under their belt," said Adela Garcia, assistant director of special projects at New Horizons said.

Before opening Expresso, participants received barista training and practiced customer service, teamwork, communication, workplace safety, and cafe operations with guidance from industry professionals.

Camp CapAbility is a four-week summer program designed to provide a supportive and engaging environment where students can discover their strengths, build lasting relationships and gain skills that prepare them for success in school, the workplace and independent living.

"This place has given me so much confidence. These weeks have made me so happy, and I’ve been very proud to make beverages and drinks for the public,” Andrew De la Cueva said.

The pop-up cafe represents an important part of their summer learning experience and demonstrates the importance of creating meaningful pathways to employment for individuals with disabilities.

“This cafe they created is doing more than just making great coffee," Los Angeles City Councilmember John Lee said. "They’re teaching these kids how to communicate, how to work as a team and how to really prepare for them so that when they move to the next step, they’re prepared to go out there and get employment out in the real world.”

Since 1954, New Horizons has been on a mission to help individuals with special needs providing everything from job training and placement, education and counseling programs and home placements.

For more information, visit New Horizons' website.