NEXT IMPACT: B3 Coffee Pours It On

With the support of a grant from NEXT for AUTISM, B3 Coffee was able to facilitate access to work, independent living, and community participation. NEXT recognized B3 Coffee as a deserving recipient due to the intersection of their programs in both work and social funding categories. Their autistic-led initiative stood out, and we greatly valued their dedication to integrating their programs into the wider community while ensuring accessibility irrespective of income. Funding for B3 coffee was used to maximize equitable access to the following community programs free of charge.

Living Your Best Life
Participants explore and build capacities in various areas of adult life. Topics include cooking/meal planning, home care, community mobility, self-care, navigating adult relationships, and community engagement. The objective of this program is to equip participants with tools/strategies and experiences which help them find joy and satisfaction in their activities of daily life.

Belonging in the Workplace
Participants engage in career development activities such as resume building, barista training, self-advocacy, and workplace communication. Participants will come away with a “work profile” highlighting their work-related strengths, interests, skills, and support needs. The objective of this program is to provide participants with tools/strategies and experiences to support full access and belonging in the workplace.

Monthly Socials
Each month, B3 hosts a large social event open to anyone involved in B3 (program participants, volunteers/staff, library workers, etc.) as a consistent opportunity for connection and belonging.

Thanks to funding from NEXT for Autism, B3 successfully launched programs supporting the transition to adulthood for neurodivergent young adults. Due to the positive feedback we received, these programs will be sustained and offered each Fall and Spring.