Arts & Entertainment
TECHNICIAN
PAGE 8 • THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2019
321 Coffee provides opportunity, encouragement Bryan Cambra Staff Writer
People with intellectual and developmental disorders (IDD) are heavily stigmatized in contemporary society, especially within the workforce. However, one group of students and volunteers seeks to change this standard with a new approach: a cup of coffee. 321 Coffee is a volunteer-led coffee shop located at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh. The organization was founded by Lindsay Wrege, current CEO of 321 and a third-year studying business administration. The “321” in the business’ title relates to Down syndrome being a third copy of the 21st chromosome, as well as the orga-
ALEX BERENFELD/TECHNICIAN
A 321 Coffee interest meeting occurred in Talley Student Union on Thursday, August 30, 2018. 321 Coffee takes its name from the third copy of the 21st chromosome, which results in Down syndrome. The establishment employs workers with special needs and is located at the State Farmers Market.
GRAPHIC BY NICK WEAVER/TECHNICIAN
nization’s slogan. “We have three goals, two communities, and one outcome,” Wrege said. “Provide meaningful work opportunities for adults with IDD, promote societal unity, and showcase their strengths. The two communities consist of NCSU and IDD community, which has expanded to all of Raleigh, and the outcome is the blending of these communities.” Wrege has worked with peers who’ve had various forms of IDD since she was young, and these interactions have helped her develop a sense of empathy and understanding towards their conditions. 321 was founded in the fall of 2017 dur-
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