Mayor Mac Café Trains Special Needs Students for Workforce

By Nicky Miller

In October, Woodbridge, NJ mayor John E. McCormac and township officials, gathered at the newly renovated Cypress Recreation Center for the grand opening of Mayor Mac Café. They welcomed guests and students from R.I.S.E (Reaching Individual Student Excellence), part of Woodbridge Township School District’s special services program. The café, housed inside the Cypress Recreation Center, is unique. It was designed to train young adults with special needs for careers in the food service industry while serving as a place for the public to purchase food during activities at the center. The students learn cooking and customer service skills, while earning a wage for their hard work.

Breakfast and lunch is served Monday through Friday 11:00am to 2:00 pm. The menu includes gourmet grilled cheese, french fries, burgers, and more. The center is located at 881 West Avenue, Port Reading, NJ 07064.

This venture was made possible in part by a $45,000 grant from Kessler Foundation. The Foundation believes that all people with disabilities have a right to pursue competitive-integrated employment, and live with dignity within their communities. Learn more about how Kessler Foundation focuses its grantmaking on expanding employment opportunities for people with disabilities, check out our Center for Grantmaking.

Earlier this year, Kessler Foundation staff members Nicky Miller and Cassandra Bollinger, were invited to tour the facilities. Below are photos from their visit.