California Café: Pioneering Inclusive Employment –
In 1988, ICS launched the California Café to help individuals transition into community-based professions. The restaurant served as a hands-on training environment and was entirely operated by people accessing services through ICS. Participants learned valuable skills in cooking, cleaning, dishwashing, and waiting tables before moving on to placements in other restaurants such as McDonald’s, Burger King, Dairy Queen, and the Rainbow Country Inn.
The Café not only fulfilled a high demand for entry-level service industry positions but also empowered individuals to gain independence and confidence. For example, Sheila Chouinard loved her work at the Café so much that she chose to stay, eventually moving into her first apartment with a co-worker—a milestone in her journey toward independence.
California Café was a catalyst for change, paving the way for ICS’s Supported Employment Program, which began in 1987 and continues today with over 50 business partners in the Chilliwack community. This program focuses on job development, on-site training, and ongoing support, ensuring equal employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
The Café remains a symbol of inclusion and progress, demonstrating how advocacy and innovation can break down barriers and create meaningful opportunities.