Right at the corner of Old Washington and Rte 306, you can find Two Cafe and Boutique, serving farm-to-fork, healthy, and organic breakfast and lunches with an adjoining shop that sells organic skincare, unique gifts, baby items, home decor, and clothing for men and women. But below the surface of this modern, yet quaint establishment lies a much greater mission.
“The Two Foundation brings awareness to the community about how to celebrate diversity, and how to focus on individual’s strengths. We believe in full integration of the local workforce. The starting point is our training center: The Two Café and Boutique. The Two Café and Boutique is more than a local farm – to – fork café and coffee shop, we exist to provide real work experience and employment for individuals with exceptionalities in a fully integrated setting. The cafe is not only a place you can count on for healthy, and local food. It is place where you can truly make a difference in the world.” – Shari Hunter, Two Foundation
Shari Hunter, the owner of the Two Cafe and Boutique and the non-profit Two Foundation, started Two when her son Derek and her noticed a disconnect between high school or a sheltered workshop and community employment for individuals with exceptionalities.
Derek, Shari’s son, is the reason behind the Two. When Derek was born, Shari knew he was made for change. He was going to be used to break down walls and change the hearts of people all around him. Derek’s passion for life is the heartbeat behind everything done at the Two. Determined to graduate from college, Derek enrolled at Kent State University and graduated in 2013. He was even more determined to get married. When he met his now-wife Lauren, he knew she was the one. They were married in 2016. Derek exemplifies the Two Foundation’s values of :
We have names not labels.
Excellence in all we do.
We celebrate strengths and diversity.
We are all better when we do life together.
Here is a list of ways you can get involved with The Two:
Sign up for job readiness camps for 16 and up
Rent out our space for parties or company meetings
Especially in today’s climate, we encourage you to order curbside pick-up or delivery from Two Cafe. You can also shop online at their boutique which has a sampling of the items they offer in the store. Support this amazing foundation and all the people involved who help to make our world a little brighter each day!
For more information about Two Cafe & Boutique and the Two Foundation visit their website:
