Oct. 17, 2014
Contact: Sharon Cini, diversity liaison, 480-312-2727
A unique entrepreneurial business run by adults with autism spectrum disorder resulted in a nonprofit capturing an “Employer of the Year” honor.
Jon Sonneveldt of Beneficial Beans
The 28th annual Mayor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities awards program pays tribute to The Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center for establishing the Beneficial Beans® Café. The awards program honors people with disabilities, as well as recognizes organizations and individuals committed to their advancement.
The center is an internationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to autism research, education, evidence-based treatment and community outreach. The Beneficial Beans® Cafe provides a venue for center participants to learn hands-on skills in customer service, cash handling and barista training. The café opened in July 2012 and is located in the Scottsdale Civic Center Library. Café proceeds support job-skills training programs. Watch this video about the Beneficial Beans® Café.
According to the center’s website, autism spectrum disorder is a pervasive developmental disorder characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties and restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior.
A ceremony honoring the center and other winners will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, at Chaparral Suites, 5001 N. Scottsdale Road. The program is free and open to the public.
Other award recipients:
- Employee of the Year – Kelli Brown, Fry’s Marketplace
- Teacher of the Year – Ginny Dauler-Phinney, Scottsdale Unified School District
- Para-Educator of the Year – Warren M. Rice, Coronado High School
- Exemplar of the Year – Mary Hadsall, Camelot Therapeutic Horsemanship
In addition, the following people will receive scholarships:
- Shelby Nelson – Northern Arizona University, Hospitality Management
- Lisa Priest – Scottsdale Community College, Nursing
- Steve Schwartz – Scottsdale Community College, General Studies
Photos attached: Beneficial Beans® Café worker Jon Sonneveldt
Related: Scottsdale ranked a top spot for disabled residents
Jan Horne
Public Information Officer
City of Scottsdale
Office: 480-312-2636
Mobile: 602-527-2211
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