The latest trend in animal rescue combines two things humans crave – coffee and cuddly kitties. Cat cafes are popping up all over the world, and have proven to be a great source of stress relief for patrons while helping shelter cats find forever homes. They’re a win-win!
Now a Washington-based non-profit group has found yet another way to use this unique business model for good.
Community SEEDS is a group devoted to enhancing the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They have proposed a new cat cafe in Yakima County to not only provide jobs to these deserving adults, but also improve adoption rates for local shelter pets.
The Pets & People Campus featuring the Calico Cafe and Bakery will be located in Zillah, WA and offer a coffee bar, bakery (serving pets and people), dog park, daycare and grooming area, and an adoption center. Those with disabilities like autism would have the opportunity to develop culinary and pet care skills.
Based on the proposal, the cafe will create more than 30 jobs in Yakima County, which is lacking employment opportunities for adults with disabilities. Linda Fox, Executive Director of Community SEEDS, says the cafe will need to fill positions in the coffee bar, bakery, catering department, dog park and doggy daycare/grooming center.
To learn how you can help make this wonderful project a reality, visit Community SEEDS of Yakima Valley’s website where you can volunteer or make a donation.
H/T to kimatv.com
Featured Image via Facebook/Cat Cafe Gorazdova 20
