Purcellville, VA, October 8, 2026 – Every October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) invites us to recognize the skills individuals with disabilities contribute to our workplaces, communities, and economy. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” is something we do every day at SimplyBe Coffee, an inclusive coffee shop located in Purcellville and Leesburg, Virginia.
The words of Psalm 139:14 inspire our mission: ‘I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.’ We believe every person has worth and gifts that are uniquely their own, and meaningful work gives individuals with disabilities the chance to showcase and grow those strengths.
A Coffee Shop with a Purpose
At SimplyBe Coffee we serve more than just delicious beverages and delectable treats, we serve a purpose. Only about 39% of people with cognitive disabilities are employed, and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), employment rates are lower than those of people without disabilities. SimplyBe is addressing this shortage of employment opportunities by providing work for 25 individuals with disabilities and volunteer opportunities for 15 more across our two locations. Each week, employees and volunteers gain work experience, job skills, and confidence in a welcoming and inclusive environment. We also partner with local high school work transition students through CAST, helping them prepare for life after graduation.
Talents at SimplyBe Coffee
Behind these numbers are real people with real talents. Ask the SimplyBe team what they do best, and the coffee is only part of the answer. What comes up repeatedly is the ability to connect with customers, take an interest in them, and make them feel cared for. Everyone on our team shares that goal. What makes SimplyBe special is that each person goes about it in their own way. Sam, one of SimplyBe’s longest-serving employees, and Chris, manager of our Purcellville location, share a few examples.
Sam remembers. His memory for customers’ orders is what regulars notice first. Remembering a drink is really his way of remembering a person. “If they have time, I try to learn their interests too,” Sam says. “I like to make the customer feel welcomed.”
Lisa and Ellen reach out. Sam says he admires his coworkers because they always interact with people as they walk by. “At other coffee shops, they don’t spend that time. [We try to be a] bit more than, ‘Hi, here’s your coffee’.”
Georgia connects through conversation. “She does a really good job of talking to people about whatever’s on their mind,” Chris says, adding that the whole team, “really wants to have in-depth conversations with customers and build relationships with the community.”
The Value of Employment
Ask Sam what he wants to do next, and he doesn’t hesitate: “One day, run SimplyBe.” It’s a goal that shows what becomes possible when people with disabilities are given a place to learn, build confidence, and be seen as future leaders.
That sense of possibility reaches well beyond one person. Chris sees it in the whole team. “These employees are impacting the community, and what they do can inspire a lot of people,” he says. When someone is welcomed at the counter, has their order remembered, or is asked about their day, they leave with more than a coffee. They leave having been seen. That is the value our team brings to Purcellville and Leesburg, and it’s the kind of value any workplace is better for having.
This is what National Disability Employment Awareness Month asks us to recognize: that people with disabilities bring real skills, real strengths, and real contributions to the places they work. This October, we’re proud to celebrate the value and talent of our team. Every person at SimplyBe is fearfully and wonderfully made, and the people behind our counters show it in the way they serve everyone who walks through our doors. Stop by our Purcellville or Leesburg location, say hello, and see it for yourself.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Disability Employment Awareness Month? NDEAM is observed every October to recognize the skills and contributions of workers with disabilities. It is led by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, and the 2026 theme is “Celebrating Value and Talent.”
How can my business hire people with disabilities? Start by learning each candidate’s interests and strengths. The Job Accommodation Network (askjan.org) offers free, practical guidance on workplace accommodations.
Can I volunteer at SimplyBe? Yes. We offer volunteer opportunities at both locations. Contact us at simplybecoffee@tolministries.org to learn more.
How can I support SimplyBe Coffee Shop’s mission? You can support SimplyBe Coffee by visiting us, purchasing products, donating to our ministry, and spreading the word about our inclusive hiring practices.
- 208 Church St, SE, Leesburg VA 20175 (Mon-Fri: 8am-3pm | Sat: 9am-3pm)
- 1000 E Main St, Purcellville VA 20132 – Inside Giant (Mon – Sat: 7am – 5pm)