Independent Grounds Cafe is a coffee house located minutes from the Kennesaw campus motivated to bring inclusion into its environment: on the bottom floor of the Bixby student housing community.
This local coffee cafe has created job opportunities for individuals with disabilities, encouraging them to learn to their abilities. By encouraging them to explore new skills and become more independent, founder Lorna McNeil has created a resource for these individuals.
According to their website, McNeil prides Independent Grounds on inclusion and inspiring others to “think differently about the world of special needs.”
“We strive to be an example of inclusivity and capabilities,” founder McNeil said.
McNeil is a parent to a child with a disability. Her daughter suffered a traumatic brain injury after birth.
“As a parent, you spend years dreaming of what your child can accomplish,” McNeil said, “But as a parent of a special needs child, you often find yourself having to temper those dreams.”
According to Independent Grounds’ website, after realizing she could make a difference and open doors for her daughter, McNeil said she found a way to “show the community what she and all her peers can truly accomplish.”
After aging out of the school system, there are limited options for individuals with such disabilities.
“80% of adults with special needs are underemployed or unemployed,” McNeil said.
Her mission of inclusion is not just for the capabilities of the employees but for her community. Serving locally roasted coffee, “instead of filling the pockets of CEOs, you’re supporting families who live and work in your community,” McNeil said.
During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, small businesses were often forced to close, leaving many unemployed. Since the reopening of local businesses, Independent Grounds Cafe has celebrated one year in its new location near campus.
The cafe has a warm and welcoming aesthetic to hang out, study or just enjoy a gourmet cup of java.
“Independent coffee houses make you feel more connected to your community,” McNeil said. As she put it, “to meet up and hang out in a comfortable environment” is an important part of this unique experience.
KSU students who reside in the Bixby apartment complex have the advantage of enjoying coffee at their front doors. Independent Grounds provides residents the option to order online, have their coffee delivered, or pick it up curbside.
According to Daily Coffee News, there are approximately 35,616 independent coffee houses in the United States. Independent Grounds is one part of that number making a change in the community while serving coffee and comfort to its customers.
Independent Grounds Cafe is located at 3601 George Busbee Parkway, Suite 2000 in Kennesaw, Georgia and is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To learn more about this growing coffee house, visit their website and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
