About Us

There are no community places where intellectually disabled young adults can gather, spend time and experience love, connection, and conviviality. Most public places make them feel awkward. As a result, they seek out comfortable, passive social activities, such as phones and social media, from the security of their own homes.

Enter: Gather + Grounds, a bistro by day and gathering place by night. We provide a positive, caring space for young adults with special needs and all community members. Young adults gain important job skill training during open daytime hours and can spend time socializing with friends in the evening.

“We will gather the community together to cultivate and grow our most underserved population that lives among us.”
— Chef Mark Prentiss, CoFounder, Chef and Educator at Rising Stars Academy

Social emotional development, community acceptace and growth

Our Goals

  • Cultivate a safe, social place for young adults with intellectual disabilities to grow and learn.

  • Our beautiful spaces provides ample space for healthy social activities, such as coffee and conversation, music, exercise, nutrition, games and more.

  • Foster interaction, acceptance, and appreciation for people of all abilities. 

  • Provide barista and customer service training and bring local exposure to our bakery by selling its products.

  • Equip the general public with an excellent coffee and bistro for patronage and beautiful event space for rent where community members can host a team meeting or hold private events (capacity is 100 guests)