Brighten Your Day

New Cat Café Will Provide Jobs For Young People With Disabilities And Help Shelter Cats Find Homes

June 23, 2022

Construction has begun on a new cat café in Pearl City, Oahu.

The goal is a combination of animal rescue, skills training, and wellness.

Dr. Karen Tyson, a neuropsychologist and family therapist, teamed up with KAT Charities, a nonprofit that unites children with disabilities and animals with loving people, to launch Toe Beans & Dreams.

The café will hire young adults with developmental disabilities to serve coffee, snacks and baked goods while also connecting Oahu with furry friends that need homes.

"The mission of Toe Beans & Dreams Adoption Café is to empower young adults with developmental disabilities by providing jobs and training to help them lead fulfilling lives, while connecting Oahu with the loving furry friends we have rescued through our nonprofit KAT Charities," Dr. Tyson told KITV4.

The café will also include space for community groups specializing in behavioral therapy and skills training for children and young adults with disabilities.

"When individuals with disabilities connect with animals, an incredible relationship is formed," said Dr. Tyson. "Animals are unconditionally accepting and place no judgment or social expectations on people. This breaks down common barriers for individuals with social, attention, learning or physical disabilities and fosters a therapeutic relationship built on love and mutual trust."