Brewing Purpose: How Clover Coffee Empowers Workers with Disabilities

Clover Coffee is a nonprofit employment opportunity in Dublin, Ohio dedicated to helping people with developmental disabilities find meaningful jobs. Their pop-up coffee truck gives employees a chance to earn money, learn customer service, become more independent, and develop a sense of purpose.

To learn more about Clover Coffee, the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) talked with Megan Temple, one of the co-founders of Clover Coffee.

How did Clover Coffee get its start?

Temple: "Clover Coffee started about three and a half years ago. I co-found it alongside Dana Bruggeman and Krista Winner. We wanted to help people with developmental disabilities find meaningful work after high school because we noticed there weren't many options in Dublin and Central Ohio. We started planning in January 2023 and had our first event in May 2023."

How has Clover Coffee evolved since it began?

Temple: "We began as a small business and have grown into a 501(c) (3) nonprofit with support from the City of Dublin and surrounding communities. We still have our original nine employees and have added two more. As founders, we've also learned more about what our employees and their families need, creating a close-knit, family-like community."

What is Clover Coffee's mission and core values?

Temple: "Our mission is to give people with developmental disabilities a sense of purpose and meaningful employment. We also work to make sure everyone feels included. We help our employees build skills, meet new people, and get ready for future jobs. However, we are more than just a job, but a supportive community."

What sets Clover apart from other disability employment programs?

Temple: "We focus on building both job and social skills. We organize voluntary social events outside of work, to help employees connect with each other over shared interests. Additionally, our team works directly with customers, which helps them practice social skills and builds confidence."

What does employee training look like?

Temple: "At first, we taught them how to greet customers, answer questions, use the register, and advocate for themselves. Every few months, we meet to learn new skills and practice making seasonal drinks."

What tasks do employees complete during their shifts?

Temple: "They help with many tasks like restocking supplies, taking orders, making different drinks, and cleaning up. They are also the first people customers meet, so they answer questions and explain the menu."

What are employees' favorite parts of their jobs?

Temple: "Most of them really enjoy talking with customers and working with each other. Some really like making drinks because of the routine and independence.

Right now, we are focusing on helping them grow within Clover. We support them, cheer them on, and give them chances to build skills they can use in other jobs."

How can people interested in employment get started?

Temple: "They can go to our website and fill out the 'Contact Us' form. We keep an ongoing list of people interested in working with us. Our big goal is to open a store so we can offer more jobs and give current employees a steady schedule."

How does Clover define success for its employees?

Temple: "We look at how each person reaches their goals and sets new ones, both within Clover and in outside efforts. It's a success when they can run events on their own and show they can adapt to new situations."

Can you share a success story about a Clover employee?

Temple: "One of our employees started out very shy. Now, they can run the register, work independently, and even speak for the organization. They also got a job at Kroger, where they work five days a week."

Where can customers find Clover Coffee?

Temple: "Clover Coffee's monthly schedule, including events like the Dublin Market, is available on our website and social media platforms."

How else can the community support Clover?

Temple: "Besides buying coffee, people can help by sharing our story on social media or hiring us for events. Just saying hello and talking directly with our employees also helps our mission a lot."

To learn more about Clover Coffee and find upcoming events, visit their website.