For Maureen Stanko, her son Nick, who is 20 and on the autism spectrum, had always been a source of potential and pride. Like many parents of individuals with disabilities, Stanko’s concerns centered on what her son’s future would look like after graduation, and these worries often kept her awake at night.
In their home state of Pennsylvania, students with disabilities can remain in school until they are 22 years old. Despite this, the worries about their children’s future after school persists for many parents in similar situations.
Stanko shares a quote from her father, which became her guiding principle: “When you have a problem, pray like hell then get up off your knees and do something.” It was with this sentiment in mind that the concept of “So Much to Give” was born.
Stanko brought her concerns and this concept to Nick’s therapist, Tyler Kammerle, who had always harbored a dream of opening a restaurant employing individuals with disabilities. Joining forces with philanthropist Kathy Opperman, this dream became a reality in the form of the “So Much to Give Inclusive Café.”
The café, which opened in Cedars, Pennsylvania, in January 2023, employs 63 individuals, 80% of whom have a disability. These employees fill a variety of roles, from greeters and servers to food runners, sous chefs, and dishwashers.
But the café is more than just a workplace. It has also become a safe and inclusive dining space for people with disabilities. Stanko shares that before the café’s inception, taking her son Nick to a restaurant was a stressful experience. At the “So Much to Give Inclusive Café,” Nick, and other individuals like him, can be themselves without judgment.
Employed at the café is Lauren Oppelts, who has hearing impairment and works as both a hostess and sign language teacher. She shares how working at the café has boosted her self-confidence and the growth she has observed in her co-workers has been immense.
Despite initial doubts due to Nick’s food allergies and autism, Stanko found that her son thrived in the café environment, exceeding her expectations by helping set up the tables before customers arrived.
Stanko’s dream, however, did not stop at the café. She also opened the Inspiration Studio, a space where people with disabilities can learn music, life skills, crafts and attend other classes. She credits her team and the donors who made these spaces possible.
Stanko initially thought that “So Much to Give” was primarily about Nick and others with different abilities. However, she soon realized that everyone, regardless of their abilities, has so much to give.
