Maryland Mom Opens Smoothie Shop That Offers Jobs To People With Special Needs

May 13, 2023

When a Maryland mother couldn't find an inclusive space for her boys with special needs, she decided to create one of her own.

jobs for people special needs
That Smoothie Place | Credit: wjla.com / 7News

After 15 years as a real estate agent, Monique Sotomarino opened That Smoothie Place to give jobs and internships to anyone with special needs.

Her business partners with Montgomery County Public Schools by providing internships and jobs.

"I didn't want to focus just on higher functioning individuals, but individuals of all abilities and give them their opportunity to try this place out," Sotomarino told 7News.

Sometimes it might take a little longer to get your smoothie, so Sotomarino provides entertainment at all the tables.

"I love to see families come in and put down their phones and actually focus on the games. I even have families... they switch tables," she said.

Her goal is to bring That Smoothie Place to other cities so they can partner with other districts too.

Watch the video below.


Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz

feel good videoThese Cat Reactions To Owners Calling Them Through Security Cameras Are Absolutely Hilarious

feel good storiesAnniversary Gift Goes Hilariously Wrong — Or Maybe Perfectly Right

feel good storiesKentucky Nurse Saves Drunk Raccoon With CPR After Dumpster Mishap

feel good storiesFirefighters And Public Works Team Crawl Quarter Mile To Rescue Blind And Deaf Dog

feel good storiesShoulder Labrum Tear Symptoms And The Causes Behind Them

feel good storiesThe Mechanical Nurse At Guy’s Hospital Is Equal Parts Creepy And Brilliant

feel good videoThese Cat Reactions To Owners Calling Them Through Security Cameras Are Absolutely Hilarious

feel good videoEpic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Flashmob Takes Over the Streets of Paris

feel good videoLittle Boy Surprises His Favorite Home Depot Employee With Flowers On Her Birthday

feel good videoJamie Lee Curtis Can’t Stop Laughing Over The Only Autograph She Ever Asked For

feel good videoTiny Bear Cub Rescued In The Mountains Of Transylvania

Chris Filippou 12:17 PM (3 minutes ago) to me