Cafe Three21 Special coffee served by special people: Cafe Three21 at the Valleydale Farmers' Market — Photo via Instagram – @cafethree21

Supporting local Birmingham vendors is most definitely a worthy endeavor. One of our favorite ways to do this is by shopping at one of our many local Birmingham farmers’ markets. Did you know you can find an added positive cause each Saturday this summer at Valleydale Farmers’ Market? Here’s how.

Coffee with a Cause

Two local high school teachers started a summer project inspired by their students. Tyler Coppock of Chelsea High School and Missy Smith of Oak Mountain High School work with special education students and saw firsthand the limited job opportunities for this community- so they created their own. Staffed by students with special needs from Oak Mountain High School, Cafe Three21 is a pop-up coffee shop providing a unique opportunity for employees and customers alike.

Screen Shot 2019 06 10 at 1.48.32 PM Special coffee served by special people: Cafe Three21 at the Valleydale Farmers' Market — Photo via Instagram – @cafethree21

How it Started

One founder, Tyler Coppock’s experiences in college inspired the name Cafe Three21:

“…I thought it would be cool to have some kind of business run by these people and others with special needs, where they had a chance to show the world what being your true self was really like, while also giving them opportunities to learn jobs and social skills. Since working with the community of Down Syndrome inspired it, I thought a good name would be Three21 – since they have 3 of their 21st chromosomes.”

The employees of Cafe Three21 will be serving up all kinds of treats to Valleydale patrons this summer, including hot and iced coffee as well as lemonade and sodas.

The coffee is provided by Non-Fiction Coffee Co., a Birmingham company that prioritizes ethical sourcing and serving others. Lisa Herron, the CEO and owner of Non-Fiction Coffee Co., got connected to Tyler and Missy and offered her advice and guidance, as well as supplies and coffee to get them started. Not only is the service at Cafe Three21 top-notch, but the product is as well.