A Coffee Shop and a Community With Heart

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After being inspired by a growing spotlight on employers championing the abilities of adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Lorna Heid decided to do the same in the Kennesaw community. 

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More than 75 percent of adults with IDD are unemployed. Many find themselves unable to fully showcase their abilities. For inspiration, Heid, had to look no further than her own daughter, Emma, who suffered a traumatic brain injury after contacting meningitis at birth. 

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"As a parent you spend years dreaming about what your child can accomplish, but as a parent of a special needs child you often find yourself having to temper those dreams," Heid said. "I didn't want to keep doing that with Emma. I realized one way I can open doors for her is to show the community what she and all her peers can truly accomplish." 

With a passion for her daughter, for coffee and the community, Independent Grounds Cafe was formed. 

"Our goal is to put a smile on your face and give you an amazing cup of coffee," Heid said. "We want you to feel at home here, to get to know our team and maybe inspire you to think differently about the world of special needs."

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