Brewing Confidence: How a Partnership is Changing the Community at Gusto Coffee

As Matthew Sharp clocks in for his shift at Gusto Coffee, he already knows the rhythm of the day, one that hums with espresso machines, friendly chatter, and the sort of warmth that can only come from a place where everybody belongs.

“I just walk in, say hi to everyone, sign in, and get started,” Matthew says with a grin. “They don’t really have to tell me what to do anymore. I just know.”

Matthew joined the Gusto Coffee team through Easterseals Midwest’s supported employment program earlier this year. What started as a six-week placement quickly expanded into a permanent job offer, a testament to the hard work and the inclusive culture Gusto’s owner, Emily Hula, has built over more than a decade.

“This is my heart,” Emily says. “When Easterseals approached us about hosting participants, I said absolutely. These employees are awesome, they just need to know that they can do it, and that there’s a place where they can use their abilities, skills, and talent.”

For Matthew, the experience has been a transformation. “I used to have mini panic attacks when I had to talk to customers,” he admits. “Now I just do it myself. I feel more comfortable.”

He’s adapted to the ins and outs of the cafe, from steaming milk and pulling espresso shots to prepping burritos and baking pastries. His favorite part? “The people,” he says with no hesitation. “The employees, the customers…everyone’s nice, and it’s just a happy place to be.”

Emily has seen the impact flow through her entire team. “My staff became more patient, more communicative. They learned to teach and train with empathy. Not condescendingly, but with care. That’s carried over into everything we do,” she says.

She describes moments that stick with her, like when one young employee learned how to use a knife for the first time. “He couldn’t believe he did it,” she recalls. “He grabbed his job coach and said, ‘Look what I just did!’ Everyone was rejoicing with him. That’s the part I love: the heart to succeed, and the heart to see them succeed. When my staff sees somebody do something that they’ve never done before, they rejoice with them, too.”

Stories like Matthew’s and partnerships like Gusto’s are exactly what National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates every October: the talent, value, and inclusion that strengthen communities and workplaces across the country.

“Try it,” Emily urges other business owners. “You can’t put one toe in and one toe out. Jump in and give it a chance, but you have to with the intent of giving every employee an opportunity to express themselves and let them shine.”

For Matthew, those incredible things are surrounding him each day. “Every day is my favorite day,” he says. “It’s just a happy place to be.”

About Easterseals Midwest

Easterseals Midwest helps individuals with disabilities find meaningful employment through skill-building, job coaching, and long-term support. To learn how you can partner with us or support our employment programs, visit Employment | Easterseals Disability & Community Services.