07/24/2026
Yesterday I dropped Mina at the gym and realized that Ryan's Rise Up Cafe was 5 minutes away so I decided to check it out. I have been wanting to go since it opened, but it's about 25 minutes from our house and I hadn't had a chance to get there yet. But, I am so glad I went yesterday.
I walked in and immediately recognized a young women working behind the counter and my entire day was made. Brianna has been living with a brain tumor since she was born. Her mom is one of the veteran brain tumor moms who reached out to me early in Vincent’s diagnosis. I've never met Brianna in person, but I have followed her mom's posts for the past 8 years. I said hi and told her I knew her mom and we started talking. She remembered her mom talking about Vincent and asked to see a photo of him. We had a great conversation and I asked if we could take a photo together that I could send to her mom and she loved the idea. So we snapped a photo right before she handed me my latte and I left with my heart feeling so full that I had tears in my eyes walking to my car.
Being a parent to a child with intellectual and physical disabilities in a society that views a person's value based on their job title or what they can do, is SCARY. Everyone wants to be a part of something, to contribute, to belong, to be loved for who they are, but for many disabled individuals opportunities for inclusion end when they outgrow the education system. I worry about what will happen if Vincent gets to become an adult. What opportunities will there be for him to find dignity and a sense of belonging and purpose? Families like Ryan's are creating the opportunities I hope are in Vincent’s future.
I will definitely be back soon because not only do I love what they are doing for the community, but it was honestly the best caramel latte I have had in a long time. And, I consider myself a chocolate chip cookie connoisseur and their chocolate chip cookie is worth a 25 minute drive. If you live near Glen Mills, please check them out. There is plenty of parking and seating, including outdoor seating.
From their website:
"Inspired by Ryan. Powered by Purpose. Built for Community.
Ryan's Rise Up Café was born from a simple idea: when given opportunity, people rise. After graduation, Ryan, like many young adults plan like him, faced limited paths toward meaningful work. We knew our community could do more.
So we created a place where ability is celebrated, and purpose is shared. Through hands-on job training and real employment, we provide dignified, meaningful work that aligns individual strengths with impactful roles, ensuring each team member is seen for who they truly are.
We strive to transform community perceptions by showcasing the talents and contributions of our diverse team, inviting every guest to be part of shifting the narrative around disability."
