by intern Sakura Buker
Photo credit: Courtesy of Blossom Daily
Blossom Daily is the newest addition to M Street’s bustling storefronts. The café is the latest clever move from ServiceSource — a nonprofit with a Rolodex of good deeds, including ventures that create jobs and teach real-world skills to adults with disabilities. But don’t let the halo fool you; Blossom Daily knows how to flirt. The beignets arrive powdered, the mocktails sparkle and the undeniable “it drink” is a watermelon mint spritzer. “Our number one drink,” confirms Jackie Gemenden, ServiceSource’s Director of Operations, who, with Executive VP John Huff, told Hollywood on the Potomac the inside story of their new Georgetown charmer.
“We want people to have a great experience and come back because they feel welcome,” John explained. If Blossom Daily’s warm and bright interiors weren’t welcoming enough, their staff is sure to provide top notch hospitality. Stop in on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, and you’ll be greeted by Lena at the cash register who, as Jackie explained, “remembers everyone’s names–if you come in one day, she’ll ask you your name, and then you come in a couple days later, she’ll remember your name and say hello to you again.” At the core of ServiceSource and Blossom Daily is their commitment to creating opportunities for their employees to integrate and thrive in society.
Almost everything in the store is sourced by businesses that employ people with disabilities, or the individuals themselves–from the coffee beans to the purses, cards and candles for sale alongside the food and drink.
Employees are supported and trained by ServiceSource’s network of specialists, supervisors and managers ensuring each employee’s success. “Because we’re a company that works with people with disabilities, we have the institution already there to help everyone, to train them and to make sure they understand their positions” explained Jackie.
People with disabilities who are a part of the Blossom Daily and the wider ServiceSource team desire and deserve the same fulfillment, the same happiness from life as people without disabilities, and part of that can be found in employment. As John put it, “Employment comes with a lot of stuff; self-worth, being part of the community, getting a paycheck. In some cases it allows people to purchase homes, live independently in apartments, and purchase cars. When we provide job opportunities, not just at Blossom Daily, but across the organization, it empowers people to integrate into society.”
As ServiceSource’s Georgetown mission, Blossom Daily is another example of the important strides being made in disability advocacy and assistance, allowing those with disabilities that crucial feeling of community and, perhaps most important, joy. The care and dedication with which each latte, breakfast sandwich, or sweet mocktail is made are evidence enough that the mission is a success. Georgetown is sure to welcome them as they do the community.
“The employees love to work. They love being there. They love greeting customers. They love talking to people. They love showcasing what they made and what they can make” says John, and it certainly shines through in this M Street cafe.
Stop by Blossom Daily and say hello at 3207 M St NW.
