Throughout our lives, we will do many things that we wish we would have handled differently. If only we had the wisdom and perspective that we have when we are older, but alas, when we are young and learning, mistakes can be made and yet, invaluable life lessons can be learned. Even bigger than that, we can take those lessons learned and use it to make a positive impact on the world
When I was young, I was bullied a lot by the kids at school. As with most kids who are bullied, I tended tend to gravitate to another group and suddenly I found myself picking on someone else. As much as I dreaded being made fun of by the kids, I partook in the neighborhood kids making fun of Ellen Rubenstein, a girl with down syndrome who lived on our block. We called her names and we excluded her and even then I knew it was wrong and hurtful. And yet, I participated!!
So what do you do with that life experience? When I found myself the Executive Director of the Community Theatre of Greensboro, I saw an opportunity to include the special needs community, and in my own way, try to makeup for my insensitivity as a kid. Subsequently, this population has flourished at the Community Theatre of Greensboro, with a concerted effort to accommodate our special needs population in classes and shows and also including a program called Onstage and Inclusive that we created specifically targeted towards engaging the special needs community. It has been lifechanging for the participants and has educated our theatre community on inclusiveness and advocacy. So you can imagine my sense of Joy when I found out A Special Blend opened on Market Street a few years ago. This is a wonderful coffee shop that is managed and run and staffed by members of the special needs community. Here they learn a trade, have jobs and grow in leaps and bounds in their abilities to thrive in our community. What I did not know until my first visit is that so many of my ex-actors and actresses from CTG's Onstage and Inclusive and The Wizard of Oz work at A Special Blend.
I met a friend of mine there the other day. He enjoyed a fruit smoothie and a danish and I had an iced tea made out of green tea. The atmosphere is warm and cozy. Located in an easily accessible shopping strip on West Market Street near Holden, A Special Blend has outside seating as well as plenty inside. Usually a greeter at the door sets the tone as you walk inside and can feel the appreciation of everybody there that you have chosen A Special Blend to spend some of your time and enjoy some of their offerings. I even ran into Cameron who was one of our actors who has an affinity for the weather. I can always count on him to tell me what's in store when a storm is coming! Lol
I would highly recommend you checking this place out. The prices are right, the site is spacious and inviting and you are supporting our special needs community that thrive with opportunities like this at A Special Blend. I may have hurt Ellen Rubinstein as a child, but I am so happy I have been able to turn that into supporting CTG, our special needs population, while enjoying the special treatment I receive in a special place by our special needs community! Give it a shot! read more