In the former Eagle Valley Bank at Galaxie Ave and 147th, the much anticipated Constellation Coffee is now open. This unique coffee shop employs those with special physical and neurodiverse needs. Owner Liza Robson has a son with autism who is now in college, and watching him thrive and succeed has driven her to create the coffee shop to offer employment opportunities for other families with children of different abilities.
Matty Robson was diagnosed on the autistic spectrum when he was young, and his parents Liza and Jim spent many years helping Matty get the support he needed to be successful in his life. Because Matty didn’t fit in to the system, people had to be inspired to change to support Matty – and Constellation Coffee was inspired by this idea: that we need to create spaces where people with special needs can not only fit in, but thrive. Matty is now in college, working his way through his classes, making friends and enjoying his time as a host on his own radio show – a dream of his since he was little. It is important to all of us that all exceptional people, just like Matty, have a place to contribute in a meaningful way to the community. We hope to create a fun, caring and supportive environment where we provide our staff with valuable skills and meaningful employment.
A note from Constellation Coffee: At Constellation Coffee, our team thrives on doing meaningful work – and you make their work possible! Every time you order from us, you help our team be the most caring, capable part of this community that they can be.
Ways you help our team be their best:
- Patience if your order takes a little longer today, or if you need to repeat something you’ve said.
- Kindness in your words and your conversation – we love to learn by chatting with you!
- Encouragement if it seems like one of our staff is finding something challenging.
- Understanding if your order isn’t exactly as you expected at first.
- Gratitude for a job well done!
Constellation Coffee is located at 14800 Galaxie Ave in Apple Valley. You can order inside or at the drive-thru anytime Monday through Saturday from 7 am – 3 pm.
