OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Learn about our Mission, Vision & Biblical meaning behind our name!
Our Mission
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Helping Others Promoting Employment for Individuals with Autism and Cognitive Disabilities​
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Our Vision
Everyone will feel Seen, Valued, Accepted, and Included exactly how they were created to be.​​
What Romans 15:13 Means:
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Romans 15:13 inspires us to spread hope not just through words but through meaningful actions. It's a call to uplift those who are struggling, including the 85% of adults with autism who are unemployed. This statistic is not just a number; it represents individuals with unique talents, perspectives, and aspirations who deserve opportunities to thrive.
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It also reminds us that hope is not just a fleeting emotion but a powerful force that can sustain us through even the darkest of times. It speaks of a hope that comes from believing in something greater than ourselves, a hope that fills us with joy and peace as we trust in divine guidance.
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Echoing HOPE, (Helping Others, Promoting Employment) Romans 15:13 directly represents this mission by helping all individuals planting seeds of joy and love that can blossom into a brighter future.
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"May the God of HOPE FILL you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit" ~ Romans 15:13​
Seen
We recognize and see the boundless potential in every individual. We are dedicated to nurturing their talents and guiding them toward a future where they can thrive in their unique abilities.
Valued
We value equality, recognizing all individuals as God's creation and source of hope. We advocate for a just world where everyone, regardless of differences or abilities, finds belonging and opportunity.
Accepted
We promote awareness and support for young adults with autism and cognitive disabilities, fostering inclusion and acceptance. We prioritize meaningful relationships and community.
Included
We are committed to fostering inclusion for all individuals, including those with autism & cognitive disabilities, in both work & in daily life. We believe that everyone deserves to feel welcomed and included.
HELPING THOSE WITH AUTISUM & COGNITIVE DISABILITIES
In order to properly help those who struggle, it's important to have a understanding of how to be of help or what you can do to make those around you feel more included & understood.
Cognitive disabilities encompass a range of challenges related to mental processes like memory, learning, attention, and problem-solving. When individuals lack higher executive functioning, they often struggle with specific aspects such as:
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Planning and organization: Difficulty setting goals, creating plans, and organizing tasks effectively.
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Problem-solving: Challenges in analyzing information, generating solutions, and making decisions based on available data.
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Initiation and inhibition: Problems starting tasks and controlling impulses or inappropriate behaviors.
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Flexibility: Difficulty adapting to changes, shifting between tasks, and considering alternative strategies.
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Working memory: Inability to hold and manipulate information temporarily, crucial for complex tasks and following instructions.
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Hope Filled Cafe recognizes and addresses these challenges by creating supportive work environments that accommodate these needs. Additionally, they provide personalized job training to empower individuals with cognitive disabilities to succeed in their roles.
Manage Sensory Input
Reduce overwhelming stimuli such as noise, smells, colors, patterns, or lights in the environment.
Offer Positive Reinforcement & Praise
Acknowledge and celebrate achievements, however small, to boost confidence, motivation, awareness, and self-esteem.
Focus On Strengths
Encourage individuals to work in ways that capitalize on their strengths and unique thinking styles.
Communicate Clearly
Individuals with autism may struggle with understanding intentions or body language, so be explicit in expressing your thoughts.
Allow Processing Time
Give at least 8 seconds for responses, and consider alternative communication methods like email if needed.
Embrace Flexibility
Be open-minded about sensory preferences such as wearing headphones or taking off shoes, understanding their need to regulate sensory input.
Offer Support & Understanding
Act as a mentor or friend by learning about how autism affects the person and offering support accordingly.
Minimize Pressure
Simplify choices, set clear expectations, and provide regular feedback to foster mutual understanding.
Practice Patience
Practice patience and empathy when interacting with individuals with cognitive disabilities, recognizing their unique challenges & perspectives.