Everyone deserves a chance to make his life better, no matter their condition is. I feel so angered when I hear about companies that refuse to hire people with special needs, even though they have the requirements. For Michael Coyne, the situation was no different. Michael began searching for jobs when he was 21 years old, but he had no luck, so he just decided to open up his own business.
Michael Coyne has autism, but he didn’t let the rejections from employers bring him down. In fact, it must have given him the inspiration to take his destiny into his own hands because he decided to start his own business. He and his mother founded a coffee shop in North Smithfield, Rhode Island called Red, White & Brew.
Michael’s mother Sheila Coyne told ABC6 that it was hard to see her autistic son get rejected repeatedly in his job search. She suggested to him that he take a different path in life. That’s when Michael began taking business classes that were provided by a state-funded program for disabled people. Shortly after completing his course work, he was running a coffee shop of his own. Coyne says that the business is booming.
“It’s been fun,” he told ABC6.
The store has a Facebook page that describes the mission of the business.
“We are a family owned coffee shop serving up more than a cup of coffee. We employ people with developmental disabilities, encourage community engagement, and change the way the world sees those with disabilities.”
People have left positive reviews on the company’s Facebook page praising the service they have received at the coffee shop. They also acknowledge the outstanding work that the family has done in succeeding with their business and in the transformative message their company has conveyed.
Families who have children with disabilities have found the place to be a friendly spot to visit in their community. As Sheila Coyne told ABC6, parents have come to the store with tearful joy at the success that Michael has had with his coffee shop, and they have renewed hope that their own disabled children will find success in their careers as well.
The shop also features a section called Budding Violet where crafts made by disabled people are sold. The coffee shop is open seven days a week in North Smithfield, Rhode Island.
Were you aware of the employment struggles of the disabled? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section, and send links to your friends on social media to help spread Michael’s message.
