Over 40,000 people in Mississippi have an intellectual or developmental disability, but only 11.5% are employed. Employment opportunities are critical for people differently abled because they allow them to contribute to society, gain a sense of purpose, improve financial stability, build social connections, and enhance self-esteem. Adequate employment enables anyone and everyone to live more independent and fulfilling lives.
People with intellectual disabilities often struggle to find employment due to a lack of awareness about their abilities, which leads employers to a negative stigma. Limited access to suitable training and education opportunities contributes to a negative perception of their employability in the workforce. But a Mississippi-based non-profit and restaurant is trying to change all that.
Brent and Kristen Lape understand the urgency and importance of growing pathways to employment for those who are differently able. Their daughter Lily was born with Down Syndrome, and from her birth, they have been working with the community to spread awareness and acceptance.
“Our journey began in 2012 as Running for Lily, a platform to help spread awareness and acceptance for people with Down Syndrome within our community and fundraising for two local organizations that were there for us from the beginning,” shared Brent Lape. “For the first few years, our annual fundraising event, The Run Up for Downs, we raised over $62,000 for the Central Mississippi Down Syndrome Society and The Little Lighthouse of Central Mississippi.”
Nine years ago, the Lapes and other families started talking about their children’s future. Like any parent, they want to see their children grow, learn, and thrive in adulthood with as much independence as possible despite a disability.
“Looking to the future for our children, we’ve spoken with several families over the years about what their adult children are doing after high school,” shared Kristen Lape. “More often than not, the answer was “nothing” or no opportunities were available. There may be a handful whose children with Down Syndrome and other developmental disabilities have jobs. Some businesses may not understand the capabilities or full potential of our children. This is where our new venture, the Lily Pad Cafe, comes into play.”
The inspiration for Lily Pad came from Hugs Cafe Inc., a non-profit social enterprise in McKinney, Texas, dedicated to providing meaningful training and competitively paid employment for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They believe in offering each individual hope, understanding, grace, and success (HUGS).
The Lily Pad is now one of the first Affiliate Partners of Hugs Cafe, Inc. in McKinney, Texas. With over 9 years of employment and job-carving success, Hugs Cafe, Inc. has taken its vocational training beyond those it currently employs. They have expanded Hugs Café, Inc. to include Hugs Training Academy, an educational training center for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities seeking employment in the food service and hospitality industries.
As an affiliate partner, The Lily Pad is bringing the Hugs Cafe Training Academy program to Ridgeland, MS, through The Lily Pad Cafe, with a training and internship program. The Lily Pad Training and Internship has 11 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities ages 18 and above. During this paid internship, interns get hands-on restaurant experience through daily lunch service.
After nine years of fundraising and many answered prayers, the Lily Pad Cafe is now open for business! It is open Tuesday through Friday and the first Saturday of each month from 11 am to 2 pm by reservation only at 111 N Wheatley St., Ridgeland, MS 39157.
“Once interns have reached their potential and gained employable and valuable skills,” shared Kristen Lape, “The Lily Pad will work with its employment partners to transition each intern to local businesses throughout the community for purposeful employment.”
Learn more about The Lily Pad Cafe, view their menu, and reserve at https://thelilypadms.com/.
You can help support them by participating in the 13th Annual Leap 4 The Lily Pad (formerly Run Up for Downs) on April 12, 2025, at the Methodist Rehabilitation Center Green Space in Ridgeland, MS! ALL proceeds will go towards the cafe’s operational costs.
