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 2009 Coffeehouse dates, or see the list below.

Unless otherwise noted, all Coffeehouse evenings are held on the last Friday of every month from 7:00-9:00 PM.

January 30, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church**
February 27, Good Shepherd
March 27, Good Shepherd
April 24, Good Shepherd**
May 29, Good Shepherd
June 26, Good Shepherd
July 31, Good Shepherd**
August 28, Good Shepherd
September 25, Good Shepherd
October 30, Good Shepherd**
December 11, 6:30—9:00 PM (note different time), Shared Dinner, Good Shepherd

** Starred dates – COFFEE BREAK Evenings, 7:15-8:45 during the regular Coffeehouse; the Coffeehouse community of parents, caregivers, and friends of adults with developmental disabilities are invited to come together and discuss specific life issues regarding their friend or family member.

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, contact us for more information! Email info@servingcup.org.