In the vibrant heart of downtown Oregon, a unique establishment has risen from a blend of passion and necessity: Kickback Cafe. Founded by Elizabeth Donoghue, the cafe is more than just a place to grab a coffee. It’s a space that embraces the neurodivergent community, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere that affirms the beauty of diversity. When Donoghue founded Kickback Cafe over three years ago, her vision was clear.
“We wanted to provide something that downtown Oregon didn’t have, which was an inclusive, welcoming, cheerful place that affirms the neurodivergent community,” Donoghue says. The cafe’s mission is deeply rooted in her own life. With two children on the autism spectrum and two with ADHD, Donoghue understands the profound challenges faced by those who may not thrive in traditional work environments.
“I know that at least two of my children will struggle in a traditional workforce setting,” Donoghue says. “Here, they won’t struggle, and I can extend that same grace to everyone.”
At Kickback Cafe, inclusivity is woven into the fabric of daily operations. Donoghue says accommodations for neurodivergent employees don’t have to be daunting.
“When people hear accommodations, they feel intimidated,” she notes. “But it’s really about communication.”
The cafe fosters an environment of openness, encouraging employees to voice their needs without fear of judgment. Whether it’s taking a moment to recharge or discussing challenges, the focus is on support and understanding, creating a true sense of belonging.
Kickback Cafe is not just a workplace. It’s a vibrant community where relationships thrive. Employees like Mateo Kretschman cherish the cafe’s welcoming atmosphere.
“When I come to Kickback, I talk with mostly everyone,” Kretschman says. “It just makes me feel more welcome than I already am.” This sense of belonging is transformative, turning a job into a shared journey.
For Tyson Purcell, who identifies as neurodivergent and has ADHD, the cafe symbolizes a fresh start.
“When I came in for my interview, they said, ‘We understand. We have other ADHD folks here, and we get it,” Purcell recalls. This understanding has allowed him to shed years of negative self-talk and embrace his uniqueness in a nurturing environment.
Donoghue believes fostering curiosity and compassion is essential for building inclusive spaces.
“We should all be more curious about each other,” she says. By standing at the forefront of this movement, she aims to challenge misconceptions about neurodiversity, showing that understanding leads to connection.
Ultimately, Kickback Cafe’s mission transcends the realm of neurodiversity. It’s about treating all individuals with dignity and respect.
“Everyone has a fundamental right to earn a living,” Donoghue says. “Sometimes you have to create it yourself. And that’s what we did.”
