about the coffeehouse

The Coffeehouse is an evening for entertainment, snacks, social interaction and networking. On certain Fridays of almost every month from 7 - 9pm, an empty space is transformed into a coffeehouse ambience with round tables and checkered cloths, soft lighting and a relaxed atmosphere. December features a shared dinner for all Wake County Coffeehouses.

Musicians entertain in a variety of formats from sing-along to karaoke, gospel to country, jazz to folk music. Attendees are invited to participate in song or relax and enjoy. Light snacks are served and conversation is always the prime ingredient as people come to make new friends, see old ones, share experiences and be entertained. The average attendance at a Coffeehouse event has grown to 100 people and has often swelled to upwards of 200 people of all abilities.

history of the coffeehouse

The Serving Cup began the Coffeehouse program in October 1997, with the aim of expanding the opportunity for social interaction and fellowship between adults of all abilities. Its purpose was to provide an inclusive setting for all, including developmentally disabled adults, to meet and mingle and have fun with the entire community. The success of the Coffeehouse led its founders to realize there was a great unmet need among the developmentally disabled participants in the Coffeehouse for some essentials such as social interaction, housing, employment opportunities, and transportation.

words from coffeehouse attendees: what people are saying about the coffeehouse

Please know how happy we are that the coffee houses are available and that so many people - people with and without disabilities - are able to participate.

"As usual, our son and all the other people who attended Coffee House at Good Shepherd had a wonderful time last week. I say 'as usual' because the friday night events have become so important to them and, on their behalf, I want to thank everyone who is responsible for providing entertainment, food, and fun to so many folks month after month...It is such a pleasure to see the ease with which the young people interact with the adults with disabilities. Obviously, they have learned by the examples of you, your staff and the generous volunteers who make Coffee House possible... Please know how happy we are that the coffee houses are available and that so many people - people with and without disabilities - are able to participate. Many thanks."
      - Anonymous Coffeehouse attendee

"Our whole family had a blast at Coffeehouse, and we are really thankful for this ministry. There are not that many ministries that we can do with our whole family, but this is one!"
      - The Trimmer Family

coffeehouse schedule

Download a printable schedule of 2010 Coffeehouse dates, or see the list below.

Unless otherwise noted, all Coffeehouse evenings are held from 7:00-9:00 PM.

2010 Coffeehouse dates

January 8, Resurrection Lutheran Church
January 29, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
February 12, Resurrection Lutheran Church
February 26, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
March 5, Resurrection Lutheran Church
March 26, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
April 9, Resurrection Lutheran Church
April 23, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
May 14, Resurrection Lutheran Church
May 28, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
June 11, Resurrection Lutheran Church
June 25, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
July 9, Resurrection Lutheran Church
July 23, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
August 13, Resurrection Lutheran Church
August 27, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
September 10, Resurrection Lutheran Church
September 24, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
October 8, Resurrection Lutheran Church
October 22, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
November 12, Resurrection Lutheran Church
December 10, 6:30-8:30PM, Shared Holiday Dinner, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

directions

Download printable directions to Good Shepherd and Resurrection:

See the individual coffeehouse pages (Good Shepherd, Resurrection) for online directions from Google Maps.

coffeehouse video

Watch a short video about the first Coffeehouse, at Good Shepherd:

start your own coffeehouse

Coffeehouses are a great way to bring people of all abilities together in your community. If you are interested in starting a Coffeehouse in your area, the Serving Cup offers expertise and guidance for getting a new Coffeehouse off the ground. Below, download the first several pages from our comprehensive Coffeehouse Manual, and contact us (email info@servingcup.org) for more information!

Download a portion of the Coffeehouse Manual: