La Casita Verde was born from love. Supporting my mother and my sisters — Sonia, who had Down syndrome, and Elizabeth, who has an intellectual disability — showed me how vital welcoming, joyful places are for families like mine. Together we will be creating a cafe that does more than serve coffee: it creates belonging, dignity, and opportunity for people with disabilities and the whole community.

Mission & Vision:

Mission: To create a safe, sensory‑aware café that provides meaningful employment, therapeutic programs, and inclusive community space.

Vision: A community center where accessibility is the norm, connections are built, and everyone feels truly at home.

What we will offer (grouped & succinct)

Sensory‑friendly environment: dimmed lighting, reduced background noise, visual menus, and calm hours.

Therapeutic & skill programs: speech & language space, sensory cooking, music & art therapy, and gardening with sensory textures.

Employment & training: hands‑on training for adults with disabilities in POS, food service, hosting, and back‑of‑house skills.

Lifelong learning & tech access: cell‑phone and technology classes for seniors; business leadership and teen baking workshops.

Community supports & services: immigration legal clinics, monthly senior social connections, free haircuts for kids and for people with disabilities, and event space tailored to families with special needs.

Accessible food options: allergy‑friendly, gluten‑free and sensory‑sensitive menu items with clear visual guides.

By combining a welcoming café with targeted programs and jobs, La Casita Verde will reduce social isolation, expand skill and employment pathways for adults with disabilities, and offer practical supports to families across Albany Park. Every mural, patio table, and sensory hour is intentionally designed to make community participation possible for everyone.

Funding needs & use of funds

We are raising funds to complete demolition, renovations, commercial appliances, furniture, licensing, and program startup. Our immediate goal is $60-80K to kick‑start demolition and initial build‑out; our broader target is $215K total to open with programs and long‑term sustainability.

Join us in making La Casita Verde a reality.

Thank you for believing in community where everyone belongs.