The Lily Pad Café Aims to Transform Lives

Words by Mary Kate McGowan

Renderings by Dean Architecture, P.A.

Just as frogs leap from one lily pad to another, a restaurant in Ridgeland, Mississippi, hopes to provide the same launchpad for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

A unique and heartwarming initiative is expected to unfold in 2024—The Lily Pad Café. This forthcoming establishment will change lives by employing and training young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing them with essential skills to thrive in the hospitality and service industry. 

As this soft place to launch awaits its opening, the story of The Lily Pad Café is one of perseverance, dedication, and unwavering commitment—particularly from two local families—to make a difference in the lives of those who often face barriers to employment.

Inspiring Inclusion and Expanding Horizons 

Years ago, a transformation began in the lives of the Lape family, stemming from their desire to create a more inclusive world. The catalyst was their daughter, Lily, born in 2012. 

A year later, Kristin and Brent Lape initiated an annual fundraiser, Running for Lily, designed to bring awareness about Down syndrome. Initially, their efforts helped support two local nonprofits: the Central Mississippi Down Syndrome Society and The Little Lighthouse of Central Mississippi.

As years and races went by, the Lapes and friends-turned-cofounders Deanna and Kelly Elliott decided to extend the fundraiser’s scope. They began to connect with more families in their community with children and young adults sharing the same diagnosis as their children, Lily Lape and Hayden Elliott. 

These conversations unveiled a common theme: These individuals possessed the skills and potential to hold meaningful jobs but were often denied the opportunity. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, 78.7 percent of people with a disability are unemployed. People with disabilities are often placed in roles that don't challenge their capabilities or face discouraging experiences when attempting to secure employment. 

Fueled by their commitment, the Lape and Elliot families decided to address this pressing issue. They had a mission to brainstorm innovative solutions and fill the void in their community, leading them to discover different models around the country, from coffee shops to restaurants, where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities were provided with employment opportunities. One particular restaurant, Hugs Café in McKinney, Texas, became their inspiration and set them on a course to establish a similar establishment in Ridgeland, Mississippi.

 The Lily Pad Café was their landing spot. The café will serve as a training ground for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping them acquire skills in the restaurant and hospitality industry. 

Learning Together

Equipped with the mission behind the café, selecting the right location was crucial. In 2019, the Lapes were approached by the previous owners of their current location, which was operating as a coffee shop. Nestled in the heart of Ridgeland’s Railroad District, the café is surrounded by retail, other restaurants, and residential areas, creating a vibrant and inclusive environment.

Starting a Café is no small feat, but when you add the complexity of building a nonprofit, the challenges become even more unique. Kristin Lape, who serves as director, acknowledges that The Lily Pad Café isn't your typical restaurant build-out. 

"We're all learning as we go," Kristin said. She added that the process has been like “figuring out the puzzle pieces” with the help of community partners and volunteers. 

In September 2020, the Lily Pad Café started fundraising efforts to raise $500,000 for building, renovation, and initial costs. With the help of generous donations from local businesses and individuals, this project has been transformative and overwhelming at times. 

"It's teaching us to have grace because it has been an undertaking,” she said. 

When its doors are open, The Lily Pad Café plans to start with lunch service, offering a variety of delicious options, such as paninis and ice cream, that customers can enjoy while supporting their mission.

A Bridge to Opportunities

The Lily Pad Café's mission extends beyond serving good food and providing job opportunities. Its goal is to break down barriers and challenge stereotypes, demonstrating that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are more than capable of holding meaningful positions when given the opportunity and time to learn. 

"Not everyone with Down syndrome can do the same thing. Not everyone with autism can do the same thing. There are different levels, just like you and I,” Kristin said. "Why limit them?" 

Serving as a bridge to help its employees find other opportunities in the community, the café will nurture skills, provide training, and foster connections, empowering its employees to thrive in the broader workforce. As the Lily Pad Café prepares to open its doors, the Lapes and Elliotts offer hope, support, and opportunity to leap into fulfilling employment. 

Follow The Lily Pad Café’s journey and support their efforts by visiting https://thelilypadms.com/.