Spencer's Place started with a simple yet powerful idea: to provide meaningful employment to adults with unique abilities. The founder, a former special education teacher, saw her students eager for employment but facing repeated rejection after graduation. “I noticed my former students in their 20s were losing skills and extremely lonely,” she recalls. It was this realization that motivated her to create a place where these individuals could find both purpose and community—Spencer’s Place.
Since its opening, Spencer’s Place has thrived thanks to the local community's overwhelming support. People don't just come for the specialty coffee, teas, lemonades, and pastries—they come for the mission. “They prefer to spend their money where they can tangibly see the benefits,” the founder explains. Community members have expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to be part of something greater, making Spencer’s Place a beloved local spot that stands out for more than just its drinks.
The impact Spencer's Place has had on the community extends far beyond serving coffee. Every December, the coffee shop sponsors multiple toy drives, including the Surprise Police toy drive, the KFLR radio toy drive for foster children, and one for the Nadaburg district. These initiatives are just one way Spencer’s Place strives to make a difference, encouraging patrons to get involved by donating toys or offering their time.
A major milestone for Spencer’s Place has been the opening of a second location in Cotton Lant. “Our Cotton Lant location is twice as big as our original shop,” the founder notes. The larger space offers ample room for events and houses a full-sized commercial kitchen, allowing for expanded offerings like breakfast and gluten-free pastries. More importantly, the kitchen serves as a teaching space for staff members, giving them new skills and a sense of pride in their work. The new location means more than just a bigger café; it represents greater opportunities for those with unique abilities to grow, learn, and contribute.
“Their confidence and skill sets have increased, and they are proud of their work!” Spencer’s Place is grateful for the chance to showcase what these incredible individuals can do. The staff members have faced and overcome significant challenges to be employed, and their growing confidence is a testament to the supportive and inclusive environment Spencer's Place has created. The shop is more than just a workplace—it’s a space where employees are empowered to learn, grow, and thrive.
For those who have never been, Spencer's Place is described as more than a coffee shop. It’s a place where quality coffee meets purpose. “Spencer’s Place is a specialty coffee shop with a great product enhanced by a staff that shows up every day with a joy that is contagious.” Visitors come not only for the delicious drinks but also for the warmth and spirit of the people behind the counter.
The mission of Spencer's Place is supported through the Employed and Overjoyed Foundation, a nonprofit established to cover the unique financial needs of running the café. The foundation helps bridge the gap in funding, ensuring that Spencer's Place can continue to provide essential job opportunities. “Our community can support this mission with their patronage, donations, as well as sharing our vision with friends and family,” says the founder.
Spencer's Place isn’t just about serving coffee; it's about creating opportunities, fostering inclusion, and celebrating everyone’s abilities. Every cup served here represents hope, empowerment, and a community that values the contribution of every individual. In a world that often overlooks those with unique abilities, Spencer's Place is a reminder that everyone deserves a chance to shine.
"Spencer's Place is a specialty coffee shop with excellent products, made even better by a joyful, dedicated staff."