March 2026 Newsletter
Building Independence One Skill at a Time
Celebrating Graduates and Welcoming New Interns
Congratulations to Jaquie and Claire on landing their first jobs after graduating from the Skills of Life Cafe program! Your hard work, dedication, and growth have truly shined, and we are so proud of all that you have accomplished. As you take this next step forward, we celebrate your confidence, skills, and determination, and we look forward to seeing all the meaningful and exciting opportunities ahead of you.
We are excited to welcome our new interns to the Skills of Life Cafe program! Watching you grow over the past few weeks has been such a joy. We look forward to supporting you as you build valuable life and employment skills, grow in confidence, and become an important part of our community.
Our Curriculum
At Skills of Life Cafe, every lesson is designed with one powerful outcome in mind: helping teens and young adults with intellectual disabilities gain the confidence and skills needed for meaningful, independent living. Each week focuses on a core workplace theme, beginning with foundational expectations like personal hygiene, professional appearance, and being prepared for work. From there, trainees practice customer service skills that build confidence, self-expression, and a sense of belonging in a professional environment. As the program progresses, trainees are empowered focus on problem-solving, organization, and leadership.
The impact of this curriculum reaches far beyond the café. As participants build work ethic, time management, organization, and leadership skills, they also develop self-confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging within their community. They learn how to support teammates, ask for help when needed, and take initiative—skills that transfer directly into long-term employment and everyday life. The dedication, commitment, and eagerness our trainees bring to each shift is inspiring, and their growth is a powerful reminder that when individuals are given the right tools and encouragement, they don’t just learn job skills—they build brighter, more independent futures.
With experience in customer service, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving, our interns are ready to step into the workforce and make a positive impact. Hiring from Skills of Life Cafe isn’t just an inclusive choice, it’s a smart investment in motivated employees who strengthen workplace culture and community connection.
Brews Bands & Bites
Join us on Aprill 11th for a joyful evening at Beer 30, where community, music, and purpose come together. This special fundraiser will feature live music, dancing, and a variety of local food trucks, including the Skills of Life Cafe, giving you the chance to enjoy great food while supporting meaningful employment opportunities for neurodiverse adults. Every song, bite, and shared moment helps empower our trainees to build confidence, develop job skills, and move toward greater independence. Come celebrate inclusion, connection, and the incredible potential behind the counter.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Intern Spotlight: Isabella
Isabella is one of the bright, welcoming faces behind the counter at Skills of Life Cafe. Her joy for the work shines through in everything she does. Her favorite part of the job is, “taking customers’ orders” and she takes great pride in how much she has “learned about running the café in such a short time.” Right now, Isabella is especially excited about “learning what it means to be part of a team,” something she practices every shift. Our Executive Director, Molly is proud of Isabella’s natural ability to see what needs to be done and take initiative. Whether it’s refilling the iced tea without being asked or warmly chatting with a customer as they approach the counter, Isabella’s dedication, awareness, and eagerness to help make a meaningful impact on the café and everyone who walks up.
Meet Our Board
Skills of Life Cafe is excited to introduce its new dedicated Board of Directors, united by a shared commitment to inclusion, independence, and community impact. James, President, brings extensive experience in community-based leadership and program development, guiding organizations that support skill-building, access, and meaningful participation in the community. Serving as Vice President, Cameron Haste, Executive Vice President and COO of Bay Federal Credit Union, contributes deep operational expertise and a strong record of nonprofit board service, helping align mission-driven strategy with sustainable growth. Axel, Treasurer, offers more than 20 years of experience in business operations and finance, providing strategic financial oversight to help the organization thrive and expand its impact. As Secretary, Rachel brings a strong background in psychology, occupational therapy support, and international service, with a passion for fostering self-confidence and independence among young people with disabilities. Together, this board brings a balance of leadership, financial stewardship, and hands-on community experience to advance Skills of Life Cafe’s mission of empowering teens and young adults to build meaningful, independent lives.
Donate
When you donate or attend a fundraiser for Skills of Life Cafe, you are investing in more than a single event. You are helping create lasting opportunities for meaningful employment and independence. Your support allows us to provide hands-on training, individualized coaching, and real-world work experience for teens and young adults with intellectual disabilities. Our fundraisers bring our community together, raising awareness, celebrating inclusion, and showing our trainees that their work matters. Every contribution, every coffee purchased, and every shared moment helps empower dedicated individuals to grow in confidence, build valuable skills, and move toward brighter, more independent futures. Visit our donation page to support Skills of Life.