Dialogue Helps Haley Build Her Future 

Haley Tew is always ready to help wherever she is needed at Dialogue Coffee House. Now in her eighth year with Dialogue, she has become a dependable employee whose willingness to learn and positive attitude continue to help her grow in self-confidence and the development of new skills. 

“I don’t like being bored, I don’t like sitting at home, I like getting out and doing things,” Haley said.

Haley works five days a week and helps throughout the operation. She prepares drinks as a barista, runs the register, and assists with baking in the kitchen. When she first started, Haley was much quieter and nervous about tasks such as working around hot ovens and using sharp knives. Today, she confidently helps customers with a welcoming smile. 

“She’s one of the hardest workers I know,” Dialogue Kitchen Manager Emma Hixson said. “She is always asking what needs to be done. She’s eager to learn new things.” 

That willingness to learn has helped Haley build confidence and independence. 

“Haley’s a go-getter. We’re really proud of her as she becomes more motivated, independent, and builds important life skills,” Director of Dialogue Coffee House Operations & Workforce Training Kaley Taylor said.

“I learned how to be a cashier. I did not know how to count back change, so my stepmom helped me at home,” Haley said. “I’ve gotten really good at it.” 

Haley says she enjoys making sure customers receive their orders correctly and believes creating a welcoming environment is an important part of her job. 

That growing independence has inspired Haley to work toward her next goal: living on her own. While she knows there will be new challenges ahead, Haley is ready to face them with determination. 

Since starting at Dialogue in 2019, Haley has grown not only as an employee but also as a person. Dialogue Coffee House helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities build skills and reach their goals through meaningful community employment. 

Haley hopes more workplaces will recognize the value individuals with disabilities can bring to a team. 

“I feel like more jobs need to have more people with learning disabilities,” Haley said. “They can do things, just at a different pace or different level. They need to give them a chance.” 

Through generous donor support, Capper Foundation continues providing employment opportunities through six Dialogue Coffee House locations, helping individuals like Haley continue building brighter futures.

Dialogue Coffee House is a community employment program of Capper Foundation.

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