GULFPORT, Miss. — For Haylei Hayes, working at A Latte Friends was more than just a job.
“It was good. It was like the happiest coffee shop in the world,” Hayes said. “I just (feel) devastated (that) I’m no longer a barista.”
Hayes worked at A Latte Friends for more than a year before the coffee shop closed. The job provided workplace training she has since taken to another employer.
“They helped me become a better employee,” Hayes said.
Hayes’ experience is part of the mission A Latte Opportunities aims to continue with the opening of Sunshine Sips in Gulfport, Miss., on Oct. 1.
The nonprofit provides job training for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, or IDD. Its first group of 10 interns is scheduled to begin training Sept. 8.
Nationally, 23.5% of people with IDD accessing employment supports were working in integrated settings, according to the January 2026 Case for Inclusion Data Snapshot. The figure is based on 2022 data, the latest available for that measure.
“It’s a lot more difficult for them to find employment,” said Angele Mills, executive director of A Latte Opportunities. “This gives them an inclusive training program. They get to learn skills, put to use the strengths that they have, learn more about themselves and just get out in the community.”
A Latte Opportunities grew out of A Latte Friends after the coffee shop closed. Mills said members of the Coast community stepped in to help continue their mission of creating inclusive employment opportunities.
“It was a sad day when (A Latte Friends) closed, but the community definitely opened its doors,” Mills said.
The nonprofit is partnering with the Mississippi Antique Galleria, known as MAG, to provide space for Sunshine Sips and opportunities for interns to develop workplace skills.
“(MAG is) providing a training area and opportunities for our interns to learn skills that they can learn and use, and possibly get hired at the MAG,” Mills said.
The 12-week program combines workplace training with community volunteer opportunities. A Latte Opportunities plans to offer two training programs each year, one in the fall and one in the spring.
Koby Weise worked at A Latte Friends from its opening until its closure and plans to continue working at Sunshine Sips.
“It feels good, you know, helping the community (and) getting to know the people a little more,” Weise said.
Mills said the goal is to help participants build confidence, identify their strengths and find work that fits them — whether at a coffee shop or elsewhere.
“We just want them to feel that confidence in themselves, that they can learn new things and do things,” Mills said.
Sunshine Sips will be located inside the Mississippi Antique Galleria at 1909 E. Pass Road.
Until the shop opens, A Latte Opportunities is serving drinks from its mobile cart at community events. The cart is scheduled to appear at the Gulf Coast Down Syndrome Society’s Buddy Walk, where participants will serve cold brew and dirty sodas.
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