With each comforting cup or tasty pastry passing over the counter at Books & Beans comes a morsel of the mission of this non-profit business.

The coffeehouse opened at 15 Hamilton St., Southbridge, Mass., in February 2002 to add to the community-based employment choices for disabled adults served by The Center of Hope.

This agency, established in 1956, employs more than 20 people at Books & Beans and, agency-wide, serves more than 350 individuals and their families in 36 towns in Southern Worcester County.

The need for positions at Books & Beans arose with the economic slowdown after September 11. Training and flexible positions at the coffeehouse have been instrumental in fostering self-esteem and real work experience.

Now our storefront window panes create an uncommonly bright working environment and coffeehouse atmosphere by day and often into the evening.

And they let the spirit of community flow into and out from Books & Beans.

Books & Beans • 15 Hamilton St., Southbridge, MA 01550 • (508) 764-6774
or send an e-mail