Our Story of the So Much to Give Inclusive Café

The So Much to Give Inclusive Cafe officially opened in January of 2023. We had a soft opening in November of 2022 to train our employees as we served their family and friends. We expanded our hours and opened just after the first of the year! The support we have received from the community was heartwarming as we raised over $150,000 to install a commercial kitchen and another $65,000 for an elevator to the second floor dining space. The elevator is scheduled to be in place by early August.

Many people ask about our name, so let us explain. So Much to Give is a program created by local well-known teacher, musician and fitness instructor, Maureen Stanko which launched in early 2022 under the charity of Pillars of Light and Love. Pillars was founded in 2014 by Kathy Opperman in Trappe, PA.

Inspired by the need to create opportunities for her adult son with autism, Maureen set the mission of the So Much to Give program to help young adults with disabilities to gain personal fulfillment by utilizing their unique gifts and talents to make a positive difference in the community. Maureen believes those with disabilities have "so much to give" to the world!

Maureen's friend, Tyler Kammerle, had been developing an innovative restaurant concept to open a restaurant to employ people with amazing abilities by implementing accessible systems to help create a truly inclusive dining experience for all. Because of this, Kathy Opperman and the Board of Directors of Pillars of Light and Love decided to work in tandem with Tyler to open our So Much to Give Inclusive Café.

Tyler played a key role in shaping the heart of the Café as its first General Manager, helping to establish the strong foundation and inclusive model we are proud of today. Today, our Café is led by Manager Leah LaBelle, who works closely with Executive Chef Adam Burke to craft a delicious menu and create exciting weekly dinner specials our guests love. We’re also thrilled to have Kassie Simpson as our Event Planner and Assistant Café Manager. Kassie also serves as the Director of Charity Operations for Pillars of Light and Love, bringing her creativity and dedication to every event we host. Together, Leah and Kassie continue to build a welcoming space where individuals of all abilities are not only employed—but celebrated by our team, customers, and community.

Initially, Maureen led the volunteer group at the Cafe, until the exciting opportunity came in July of 2023 for Pillars of Light and Love to open the So Much to Give Inspiration Studio . Maureen is the Director of the So Much to Give Program at the studio which is in the same complex as the Cafe at Skippack Pike and Bustard Rd! The mission of the Studio is to enhance the lives of those with disabilities, ages 15 through adulthood, through art, movement, music, learning, and fun! We also offer inclusive programs for younger children. To see the latest class schedule and program updates, please visit the So Much to Give Inspiration Studio Facebook page.

To volunteer at the cafe to support our employees with disabilities, please email Marijane Barbone at smtgcafevolunteers@gmail.com. To volunteer at the studio contact InspirationStudioSmtg@gmail.com