In the News

“Inclusion isn't just inviting someone to sit at your table. It's believing they belong there."
- Mia Carella, writer

Gerry's Café featured in Belle Curve Stories, An Interview with the Cofounder

March 21, 2024


"In Her Words: Natalie Griffin, Changing Lives One Cup at a Time"

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Gerry’s Café featured on WGN

August 30, 2023

One of our most popular items. Perfect for everyday use. Exceptional quality and choice.

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Gerry’s Café Grand Opening August 26th!

August 30, 2023

Missed our Grand Opening Celebration? See all the highlights in this video!

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Gerry's Cafe featured on FOX32

August 27, 2023

Gerry's Cafe in Arlington Heights provides opportunities for workers with intellectual disabilities.

Gerry’s Café LIVE on WGN Lisa Dent Show!

August 23, 2023

Gerry’s Café owner Natalie Griffin, along with her business partner Amy Philpott, joins Lisa Dent to talk about the grand opening of their new coffee shop in Arlington Heights, Saturday, August 26th!

Our fabulous Baker Assistant, Kiera, giving a behind-the-scenes tour of what she does at Gerry's Cafe!

September 25, 2024


Big thanks to GiGi's Playhouse Hoffman Estates for creating this amazing video

Gerry's Cafe celebrates First Year in business!

August 26, 2024


We are grateful to our wonderful community for the amazing support! We look forward to serving you for many more years to come!

Gerry's Cafe voted Daily Herald Reader’s Choice 2024 Best of the Best Coffeehouse

July 19, 2024


Thank you for all of the votes! We are humbled by the honor.

Schaumburg P.E.O.s learn about Gerry's Café

October 9, 2024

Gerry’s Cafe Brews Up lattes - and Opportunities.

October 9, 2024

Today, 15 District 214 graduates work at Gerry’s Cafe.

Gerry's Cafe Offers A Unique Experience You Won't Find Anywhere Else

October 29, 2024

“We’re proud to partner with Gerry’s Café, where 15 of our District 214 graduates are crafting delicious lattes and building skills for life! Gerry’s is a place where every team member’s abilities shine, fostering independence and community right here in Arlington Heights.” - District 214

@gives back is proud to support local nonprofit organizations like Gerry’s Cafe

October 30, 2024

We are incredibly thankful to our @properties Christie’s International Real Estate friends for their support of our mission

Creating Opportunities: How Gerry's Cafe is Redefining Employment for Adults with Disabilities

November 22, 2024

Listen in as our co-Founders speak with @LoveLocalChicagoland about Gerry’s Cafe.

Awards & Recognition

Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce

2022 Not-for-profit Organization of the Year
 
"We were truly honored to be recognized by the Arlington Heights business community as the nonprofit of the year. We are so proud of our new venture that focuses on a person’s abilities rather than their disabilities. We are proud to hire, train and employ over 40 individuals who are the shining stars of Gerry's Café. We are proud to take a chance on a new workforce, to say yes to our employees, and we are grateful to receive such tremendous support from our community." – Natalie

Village of Arlington Heights Commission for Citizens with Disabilities

2023 Disability Employment Awareness Award

The Disability Employment Awareness Award is presented to an Arlington Heights Employer who pro-actively recruits, hires, and employs persons with disabilities.

Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce

2022 Community Leader of the Year – Amy Philpott

“Being recognized by my peers as having an impact in our community is quite an honor, thank you. I have been so fortunate over the last 16 years to have incredible mentors and leaders that have set a remarkable example for all of us to mirror and work to emulate.” - Amy

Make a Difference

Gerry's Café is changing lives by providing an extensive training experience that teaches transferable job and life skills. Though we employ more than 40 adults with disabilities, we’d like to do more. With your help, we can expand Gerry’s Café locations and open related ventures, creating more employment opportunities for adults with disabilities.

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