Opening as Maggie’s & More six years ago, the location at 6821 Wakefield Road in Hiram has rebranded, opening their doors for business as the M.O.R.E. Café.
And while the name has changed, the mission of creating Meaningful Opportunities Reaching Everyone has remained. It all began when founder and Special Education Teacher Abra Schweickert noticed that her differently-abled students were often being placed into classroom situations that either emphasized their weaknesses or limited their successes. And since most work opportunities available to them exist behind the scenes or at sheltered workshops, her former students missed out on valuable interaction with the public. Her dream was to create a business that would allow differently-abled adults an opportunity to learn and grow and become a part of a community.
That dream became a reality six years ago when a small donut shop franchise in Hiram went up for sale. The doors opened as Maggie’s & More. The shop continued to sell Maggie’s Donuts but also included a special mission. Instead of the redundancy and the sheltered nature of opportunities traditionally given to differently-abled individuals, the individuals became part of a community at the front and center of a business, completing a wide variety of complex but manageable tasks.
Simple modifications were made to regular job tasks, and job coaches were added to to help those with intellectual/developmental disabilities learn and succeed in their new roles. Job tasks include manning a cash register, packing donuts, making coffee, preparing smoothies, creating breakfast sandwiches and paninis, and most of all interacting with customers. “It’s been amazing how the time has just flown by,” Schweickert acknowledged.
And after an incredible six years in business, this charitable organization has placed that special mission – the mission of M.O.R.E. – as the organization’s primary focus. While folks can still stop by for a delicious donut and coffee made just how they like it, the product offering has changed slightly, thanks to the talented bakers at the Amish Country Market in Middlefield. In addition, they’ve expanded their offerings to include açaí bowls, energizer drinks, matcha, bubble tea, in addition to the bagels, sandwiches, and soups that are still on the menu.
In the six years the shop has been open, many individuals have benefitted, and at no cost to themselves or their families. Kenny came to the M.O.R.E. Café after having worked as a grocery bagger, but the team saw he was capable of much more. After building his confidence and adding to his skills, Kenny has left the Café, having started as an intern at an IT company in Middleburg Heights where he is now employed. Polly started as a member of the donut team, gaining valuable skills as a cashier and experience working with the public. She began working at McDonald’s thanks to her experience at the Café (but still works a shift at the Café because she likes being with her friends.)
Poised to move their mission forward into the coming years, The M.O.R.E. Cafe website has been redesigned, allowing customers to order ahead and go through the drive through for quick pickups. College students are always welcome for study sessions or to grab an early morning breakfast before the cafeteria is open. In fact, their input was invaluable in determining the new menu items recently added to the menu.
The Cafe will also be offering birthday donut deliveries (or another sweet treat), as well as holiday and finals snack boxes. Gift cards at themorecafe.com are available, giving students’ families and friends the opportunity for a thoughtful (and caffeinated) gift for their favorite student. And the rebranding includes changes inside the shop as well. Soon, they’ll have a room available that can be reserved for meetings.
The M.O.R.E. Café is open Tuesday through Friday from 6 am until 2 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 7 am until 2 pm; they’re currently closed on Mondays. For more information, to place an order, or to find out how you can support this worthy mission, visit themorecafe.com or call (330) 977-9009.
