Coffee shop gives adults with autism a chance to be stars

A coffee shop in the South Metro is serving up more than just a good cup of Joe with something special percolating at Constellation Coffee in Apple Valley. A Maury Glover shows us how the small business is making a big difference in the lives of some adults with disabilities. It's all in tonight's Maury stories. In a universe filled with infinite possibilities. Hi, welcome to Constellation Coffee. In a galaxy not so far away. Well, you have come to the right place. We were having a great wedding in no time. There's a window of opportunity. Okay, Carrie, one drink done. Here's one drink. Okay. The other two are coming. Okay, thank you so much. For some often overlooked stars in our community. Am I trying to make a heart in this one? To truly shine. Here's your last one. Thank you. Have a sorry day. You too. This has just been a labor of love that I didn't expect would be so gratifying. My name is Liza Robson and I'm the owner of Constellation Coffee. Liza Robson opened Constellation Coffee in an office building in Apple Valley a couple of years ago to open up a whole new world for adults with disabilities by providing jobs for neurodiverse individuals who often have a tougher time finding employment than their non-neurodiverse counterparts. I mean, it's huge because people, because of the social disability part of it, right? They don't come across very well in interviews necessarily because they're just different, a little bit different. People look at it and say they see what you can't do but they don't see what you can do. Robson's entrepreneurial endeavor comes from her personal experience. Her son Mathias was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder when he was two and a half years old. He's 26 now and high functioning and while he has the resources to make it through life, she knows many others on the spectrum do not. Just because people are autistic doesn't make doesn't make them dumb or stupid. It just gives them the chance to, gives them a chance to succeed. You and I would feel very inadequate if we weren't able to contribute to society and so I think it's very important whether it's a job or just contributing, right? And what it's done for these kids makes my heart warm. Since many neurodiverse individuals are sensitive to noise, the environment in Constellation is designed to be as calm as possible. There's no music playing overhead and acoustic tiles on the ceiling help deaden the constant sound of coffee machines. There are also rubber floors so the furniture doesn't make any noise when it's moved and pamphlets are on the tables to tell customers how to help the 15 or so employees be their best. It could be physically disabled, it could be Downs, it could be autism, it could be ADHD or whatever, it's a whole variety of things. One of those employees is Molly Maxson. My favorite drink for me to make is the raspberry hot chocolate. Whose comedic talents are as stellar as her caffeinated concoctions. The first time I work here, I usually tell them funny jokes. Like what? Like this joke, for example, that why was the baseball player arrested? Why? He stole second base. While Lauren Zewine has been in the coffee shop's orbit since the beginning, even though she doesn't touch the stuff herself. I don't drink coffee, I only drink water. Yeah, I know, ironic joke, me working at a coffee shop that only drinks water, I know. An autism resource center in the corner also helps bring a little light to families of children with special needs and what can feel like a black hole of acceptance at other establishments. I have people that come here, but they won't take them to any other restaurant because they feel awkward because people are looking, right? Not here. Because Robson believes anything is possible when the stars are aligned. I thought I was doing something for the community, but I'm doing something for their souls, for their hearts, for the family. It has just changed my outlook like nobody's business. I mean, it's just so much fun and it's the labor of love. For Maury's stories, Maury Glover. I would want to work here for a very long time. Fox 9. Have a starry day. I'm doing something for their souls. And the joy from those employees. I've done a few stories on similar businesses like this in Wisconsin. And the impact on both ends from a customer standpoint, but also from an employee standpoint is so great. And I don't know if you noticed this at home, but in the little table tents when they're encouraging people to interact with the employees there, the two top bullet points, please use kindness and encouragement. We can use those every day. The little details. All of us, right? Yes, yes. So great. All right. Great story, Maury. All right.