We believe that young adults with autism or other neurodiversity have a right to work in an inclusive and productive work environment in their own community.

The Nest Coffee House is located in the heart of the Connecticut River Valley Tin Deep River CT. We are committed to hiring individuals with autism or other disabilities for 100% of our barista positions and 30% of our lead staff.

The shop is a sensory friendly, safe, welcoming environment for young adults with disabilities and welcomes individuals of all abilities, races and ethnicities, gender identities, and religions. Our shop is known for our focus on creating a safe and welcoming community place to gather.  We serve top notch coffee and house made baked goods, sandwiches and ice cream!

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Our workforce development training/work experience program is called The N.E.S.T. Program (New Employment Skills Training).  The program builds skills and confidence for future independent employment.  The NEST program takes place 2-4 hours a week over a 4-6 week period and is adapted based on each person’s skills and support needs. The program provides participants with work experience and career exploration in an authentic environment with our lead staff and job coaches.

Structured training and supports ensure all participants develop self-knowledge, confidence, as well as basic work and interpersonal skills valuable in any workplace. Participants also have the opportunity to learn the major tasks and basic ins and outs of an authentic coffee shop.

The program is a fee for service program for eligible participants who are young adult (ages 16-30) with autism or other neurodiversity who has basic job readiness and functional skills that allow them to participate fully in our program to explore and prepare for the world of work. Limited scholarships are available for The NEST program for a limited number of participants through a generous grant from the Liberty Bank Foundation. Contact programs@alittlecompassion.org for further information.