deliriouslove1970. The life & times of Gary and Denise Flanders. (Free and worth every penny. If you would like to compliment the editor, send to garytheflan@deliriouslove1970.com. If you would like to complain, call your mother.)

One of the things I have been successful at doing in our retired years is talking Denise into trying out, even when it means traveling a few miles, independent coffee places. We came across an absolute gem of a place recently: ‘Maggie’s be Cafe’ in Hudsonville Michigan (outside of Grand Rapids).

Maggie’s makes a fine ‘cuppa joe’, AND the entire idea behind this business, it’s mission, caught our attention and warmed our hearts.

People with intellectual and developmental delays crave having a job, a place to feel like they contribute and earn a living. Maggie Fischer is a 25 year old woman with Down Syndrome. Her parents knew Maggie always wanted to be a Barista and that was not likely given the prejudice of people who don’t understand the vitality of all people. They took the idea of opening a place to friends who jumped on the idea and could provide the business acumen to make it happen.

Volunteers, cooperative business arrangements and amazing community support have made Maggie’s a business everyone loves. Another special element is how they train and acknowledge their Baristas.

A sustainable, successful business with a community purpose and mission, Boyhowdy do I love ‘Maggie’s be Cafe.’