What's Happening in Roswell, GA…

A new coffee shop recently opened its doors in Roswell, the second location for the company.

Independent Grounds is operating its new shop on property owned by the Roswell United Methodist Church. Church officials approached Lorna Heid, who owns the business, about opening on the property.

Heid's business employs mostly adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Heid was inspired to take this action by her daughter Emma. When she was only two days old, Emma contracted meningitis. The illness resulted in traumatic brain injury leading to developmental delays.

Heid has been coping with Emma's condition for years, but she began to wonder what Emma would do after she graduates from high school, what opportunities she might have, and what careers would be open to her.

At the high school Emma attends, Kennesaw Mountain, she is part of a special education curriculum which includes having the students manage coffee shops. They take orders, make the drinks, and then deliver them throughout the school.

This gave Heid the inspiration for her shops. She opened in Kennesaw, and then about six months later, the church in Roswell contacted her. They liked her concept, feeling it would fit in with their work but didn't want to operate the shop. Everyone is welcome, not just church members. Promotional Pens may be distributed by businesses like this to build brand recognition.
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