Help Fuel Rose Cat's Inclusive Mission

Hello, I'm Brenda—a dedicated wife, mother to three incredible daughters, a homeschool educator, holder of a master's degree in social work, fitness enthusiast, and a believer in the power of quality time with those I love.

Seven years ago, I left my job as a utilization review social worker, a role I initially thought would fulfill my desire to make a meaningful impact. However, as the workload became overwhelming and the quality of client care began to diminish, I realized no amount of money could justify the stress. My journey took a pivotal turn when I became a PARA professional in a high school classroom for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). It was here, among these inspiring young individuals, that a dream began to take shape.

The Problem:

My time with these wonderful individuals not only enriched my life but also opened my eyes to the systemic barriers they face—particularly in employment after they transition out of the public school system at age 21. Despite having the ability, desire, and willingness to work, most people with IDD remain unemployed or underemployed due to societal biases, job discrimination, and workplaces that lack accommodations and an understanding of individual strengths.

The Dream:

Driven by the question, "What if?" I envisioned creating a space that offers meaningful and equitable employment for individuals with IDD—a space that also serves as a community hub, where the broader community can engage, learn from, and build relationships with these extraordinary individuals who are too often overlooked. A place where every person can become a champion of opportunity, empowerment, inclusivity, respect, connection, acceptance, and community.

In Rose Cat’s first year of business, our goal is to ramp up to at least 10 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With goals that extend way beyond that number in the years to come.

Current projections for a starting payroll to give you a sense of what we're trying to achieve:

- 5 baristas, working approximately 15hrs/wk at above minimum wage

- 1-2 manager positions at 20 hrs/wk (plus myself as an unpaid owner)

Totaling approximately $7,000 per month.

The Road Forward, Speed Bumps and All:

The dream has been a long time in the making, delayed by life's twists and turns. However, in March 2023, a heart-rending event—a text from a grieving mother—reignited this dream with newfound urgency. But like many of you, I'm not sitting on a mountain of savings. The harsh reality is that banks favor the financially secure and experienced business owners.

Yet, here I am: not a seasoned entrepreneur or a person of vast wealth, but a real individual with a profound dream to offer overlooked individuals the employment opportunities they deserve.

The Village:

This journey has tested and revealed a resilience and determination within me I never knew existed. Now, Rose Cat Coffee Co. is on the brink of becoming a reality, thanks to tireless efforts, a supportive family, and incredible neighbors.

But to truly succeed, to provide competitive wages and to create a nurturing environment for our team of baristas with IDD, I need more than just a dream and hard work—I need a village. I need you.

Together, we can make Rose Cat Coffee Co. a beacon of change in our community, embodying our mission to empower, connect, and champion the unique talents of individuals with IDD. Join us in making a difference, one cup of coffee at a time.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Support Rose Cat Coffee Co.'s mission to foster community connections and empower individuals with IDD NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE. Here's how you can help:

-Contribute a monetary donation to our cause and help us reach our goal of

-Follow us on our social media

-Share this link with a friend in our community who wants to support us

WHY?:

YOU have the power to help fund these jobs and allow for further jobs to be created in order to meet that goal of 10 employees in the first year.

YOU can be a critical part of the capital that will allow Rose Cat to provide as many job opportunities as possible without having to push or rush these employees to hit stressful sales goals during the first year of operation.

YOU can give these employees a solid opportunity to learn, develop professional skills, build meaningful relationships with customers, and retain employment that gives them a deep sense of belonging.

YOU have the power to take an ordinary dollar and make an extraordinary impact.

Your support will help us open our doors and welcome everyone into a space where every individual is valued and every coffee tells a story. Thank you in advance for supporting in and believing in our mission, our brand promise, and for helping us bring this dream to life in Lincoln, Nebraska—the heart of inclusivity and opportunity.

Warmest Regards,

Brenda and the Rose Cat Coffee Co. Team