A Grand Opening At The Grateful Mug Cafe

HARWICH – The doors swung open Saturday morning to a new venture mixing coffee and baked goods with education for young adults with developmental disabilities.  

The Grateful Mug Cafe is now operating seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the chamber of commerce office in Harwich Port. 

What makes this café even more special is the opportunity it provides for students under 22 to intern and build job and life skills before aging out of the school system. 

“In the program, individuals with special needs can remain in high school until age 22 — a time we treat like their college years, filled with fun, learning, and growth.” said Shana Grogan.

The hard truth, Grogan said, is that once the students turn 22, the transition is described by many families as falling off a cliff. The steady stream of support from early intervention through young adulthood often ends abruptly, leaving families to navigate a complex world on their own. The Grateful Mug is designed to help bridge that gap by offering a supportive, purpose-filled space for young adults to continue growing, contributing and thriving, Grogan said.

 Grogan is a founder of The Grateful Mug Cafe concept. She is also a teacher in the Monomoy Regional School District who provides training for students with disabilities.

The mission is simple yet transformative: to provide meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, according to Grogan. By fostering a work environment rooted in support, respect and inclusion, the Grateful Mug aims to empower its employees to grow, thrive and take pride in their contributions.

Close to 100 people attended the ribbon cutting on Saturday morning and waited to purchase a coffee, soft drinks, prepackaged baked goods from Brenda’s Cakes for All Occasion, and apparel advertising The Grateful Mug Cafe. Grogan was overwhelmed with emotion. 

“Our grand opening was truly a dream come true,” Grogan said. “From the joyful tears of families, employees, and friends to the steady two-hour line of customers wrapped around the building — it was nothing short of magical,” she said.

“In under a year, we turned a simple idea into a beautiful, welcoming space inside the Harwich Chamber of Commerce — a place where everyone is free to be exactly who they are. Here, we laugh freely, we stim proudly, we share hugs without hesitation, and above all, we lead with love.”

Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cyndi Williams praised the town’s involvement in the initiative, especially the board of health for its guidance. 

“I am truly so proud of how our members have stepped up to collaborate and support our future community employees,”  added Williams.

With that, employee Rory Farris took the oversized scissors and cut the grand opening ribbon. Select Board Chair Jeffrey Handler was the first customer. But the line behind him trailed outside and down the walkway of the chamber building.

“We believe in people, purpose and possibility,” said Grogan. “Every cup at The Grateful Mug is filled with hope and heart. Stay tuned, stop by and come be a part of something beautiful.”