L’Arche Jacksonville is proud to build new relationships and strategies with amazing people in welcoming spaces. 

Happy Brew Director Amy Franks, and Manager Josh Thiele wrapped their arms around the L’Arche community, creating a social atmosphere that feels like home to the core members. Happy Brew is so much more than a cup of coffee. Adults with intellectual and developmental differences are given opportunities to grow, lead, work, and use their abilities alongside their neurotypical peers in a café setting where our community can come together in shared hope. 

Amy explains, “We love collaborating with other groups here in the community. This space includes everybody, all abilities, coming together and working together because everybody has a gift. Thank you so much for sharing life with us in this special place.” L’Arche Jacksonville and Happy Brew will continue to combine efforts and promote connection between those with and without disabilities. Coffee mugs with the Happy Brew and L’Arche logos, created by L’Arche core members at the Rainbow Workshop, will be available this fall. 

“There is a lot of strength in unity. We can have social interactions and be in places and spaces where we feel accepted and comfortable, and I think that is something Jacksonville needs and the whole world could use more of.” -Josh Thiele