It’s Autism Awareness Month: Celebrating Coffee Closet with Barista Jake
Jake McFarland welcomes customers to enjoy his many special blends. On April 13th, Coffee Closet is hosting a celebration and fundraiser at the Sunnybrook Ballroom in Pottstown to reflect on five years of impact and rally support for the future.
April is Autism Awareness Month, a time to shine a spotlight on the incredible contributions of individuals with autism and the organizations that support them. Here at We The People Party of PA, we’ve been hard at work preparing our new website and refining our platform to truly reflect the voices of Pennsylvanians. As we champion civic engagement—a cornerstone of our mission—we’re thrilled to highlight a local gem that embodies these principles: Coffee Closet with Barista Jake, a Norristown coffee shop that’s brewing more than just great coffee.
Coffee Closet is a family-owned, 501(c)(3) non-profit founded by Angela and Jason McFarland to channel their son Jake’s passion for coffee into something truly transformative. Jake, a 24-year-old with autism, has turned his love for all things coffee into a thriving business that offers a safe, welcoming space for teens and young adults with special needs. “We are a Coffee Shop, Community hub and a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit,” their Facebook page states. “We support special needs teens and adults in our community through social opportunities and employment readiness programs. We also have a mobile Coffee Shop that you can hire for events.”
In Pennsylvania, services for individuals with special needs often dwindle once they age out of the public school system, leaving families searching for meaningful opportunities. Coffee Closet fills this gap with a bold vision: empowering those with special needs through vocational training and real-world work experience. What started as a small coffee stand has grown into a full-fledged shop nestled within Vinyl Closet Records in Norristown, offering a unique blend of caffeine and community spirit.
Jake’s mom, Angela, shared with Montco Today, “We wanted to create a space where Jake could thrive, but also where others like him could gain skills and confidence.” And thrive he has—Jake has blossomed from a reserved high school graduate into a skilled, personable barista who lights up the room. The shop employs other individuals with special needs, too, providing them with the tools to build social skills, work experience, and a strong sense of belonging.
Beyond vocational training, Coffee Closet actively weaves itself into the fabric of Norristown. They host a monthly open-mic night welcoming performers of all abilities, and every Wednesday, their “Kindness Crew” gathers to coordinate projects that spread goodwill throughout the community—like raising funds for local causes or offering mobile services at various events. “I love making coffee, and I love helping people,” Jake told CBS News, a dual passion that’s evident in every cup they serve.
This April, Coffee Closet celebrates its fifth anniversary with a special event and fundraiser at the Sunnybrook Ballroom in Pottstown on April 13. They’ll reflect on five years of powerful impact and rally support for the future. At the moment, though, their donations are falling short of the goal needed to keep their mission brewing strong. If you share WTPPPA’s commitment to empowerment and community, please consider contributing to Coffee Closet’s fundraiser: https://givebutter.com/xItNPo. You’ll also find full details about the April 13th event there—mark your calendar and join us in celebrating Jake and his team! Every dollar helps provide vocational opportunities, build community connections, and offer hope to families in southeastern Pennsylvania.
