Tangram, a local social services agency recently opened the Equal Grounds Café at the Indy Art Center (IAC), which is their latest inclusive employment project in partnership with the IAC.

Located at 820 E 67th Street, Equal Grounds Café is percolating inside the west end of the IAC within the vibrant arts community in Indianapolis, creating a unique space where abilities flourish and inclusion thrives. Its hours of operation are brewing from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

According to their website, www.thetangramway.org, "Tangram supports people with disabilities by designing services to meet their specific needs and desires. We assist them to live full, meaningful, and happy lives, at home and as members of their community. Tangram joins with community partners to create inclusive and sustainable solutions to challenges faced by those impacted by disabilities."

Katie Warshawsky, a recreational therapist for Tangram who also works at the café, explained "There was another organization that ran this coffee shop, but that ended, so they (IAC) were looking for another partnership to run the cafe. Tangram and the Indianapolis Art Center have been working to open this and become a partnership between the two organizations."

In describing her work with Tangram, "They have always been involved with and supported those with disabilities across the entire lifespan including job development. By opening this cafe, they wanted to encourage it in a unique setting and when the opportunity presented itself, it was opportunities to include the discovery portion of learning new jobs. We plan to increase the menu as employees learn to make certain items. We started with their vocation rehabilitation program with the State of Indiana, so this is kind a great bridge to that. In my background as a recreational therapist, I have worked with people helping them develop life skills. We started a program for those who transition out of this into adulthood opening a youth atrium from age six to adults."

"I really love being able to support people of all ages to help them meet their goals, learn new skills and help them to increase their independence. The thing that we like about the cafe is also that it provides opportunities for folks with disabilities to visit in an inclusive environment that is tolerant to sounds and sitting in the cafe with others," Ms. Warshawsky noted.

Equal Grounds Purpose Statement is "Our mission is to provide meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and empowering our diverse team. Join us in celebrating diversity and inclusion, one cup at a time, as we redefine what is possible in the world of coffee and beyond."

For more information on Tangram, visit their website at: www.thetangramway.org. They can also be contacted at (317) 968-9048. The Indiana Arts Center has more information about its programs at www.indyartcenter.org or by calling (317) 255-2464.