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[Pages S2501-S2502]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING NO LIMITS CAFE
Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, as chairman of the Senate Committee
on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize a small
business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit at the
heart of our country. It is my privilege to recognize a small business
that not only serves delicious food, but provides dignified work and
promotes inclusivity for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
This week, it is my pleasure to honor
[[Page S2502]]
No Limits Cafe of Middletown, NJ, as the Senate Small Business of the
Week.
No Limits Cafe was created to help intellectually disabled
individuals achieve their full potential. When their daughter, Katie,
was born with Down syndrome, founders Stephanie and Mark Cartier began
advocating for children with intellectual disabilities, ID. As Katie
neared adulthood, Stephanie and Mark were concerned by the lack of
meaningful employment and job training available for people with ID.
They believed dignified work provided a sense of pride, purpose, and
fulfilment. Employment was empowering. For adults with ID, it could be
a life-changing opportunity. In 2017, they began planning a business
that would enable adults like Katie to gain valuable work skills.
Over the next 3 years, the Middletown community rallied to support
what would later become No Limits Cafe. After the Cartiers bought an
old restaurant, local businesses and organizations donated money,
materials, and labor to transform the building into a welcoming and
accessible space. No Limits Cafe was chartered as a nonprofit 501(c)(3)
organization, reflecting its commitment to ``do good'' in their
community. Stephanie and Mark developed a two-phase program to fulfill
their mission of helping adults with ID gain working skills and
independence. First, employ 25-30 adults at the cafe with ID. Then,
provide restaurant industry training workshops and place trainees
within local restaurants. Near the end of 2019, more than 30 adults
with ID were hired as the nonprofit enterprise prepared to launch.
On February 6, 2020, No Limits Cafe opened its doors to widespread
acclaim. In addition to gaining marketable skills, employees formed
friendships, developed independence, and expressed a sense of pride in
their work. No Limits Cafe was profiled in outlets ranging from local
news and radio to ABC World News Tonight. Their motto of ``Eat Well--Do
Good'' was clearly reflected in their work.
Like many other nonprofits, No Limits Cafe experienced a sharp
decline in revenue due to the coronavirus pandemic. Without enough
money to pay their staff, Stephanie and Mark were forced to lay off all
36 employees. They donated the cafe's perishable supplies to a local
food bank, unsure of when they could afford to reopen.
When the U.S. Small Business Administration launched the Paycheck
Protection Program--PPP--Stephanie and Mark immediately applied. The
PPP provides forgivable loans to impacted small businesses and
nonprofits who maintain their payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic. In
early May, No Limits Cafe received a PPP loan. As a result, Stephanie
and Mark have been able to rehire all 36 of their employees and will
reopen No Limits Cafe for takeout starting Memorial Day weekend.
No Limits Cafe is an outstanding example of how purpose-driven
businesses can positively impact their communities. I commend their
efforts to provide training and employment for adults with intellectual
disabilities, a historically underserved population. Congratulations to
Stephanie, Mark, and the entire team at No Limits Cafe. I look forward
to watching your continued growth and success.
____________________
