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.
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.
Dogs Are Forced To Wear The Things They Steal — And It’s Hilarious
Meet Nazgul: The Dog Who Crashed An Olympic Ski Race And Nearly Won
People Are Submitting Photos of Their Cats’ ‘Jobs’— And We Can’t Stop Laughing
She Was Feeling Low On Confidence, So Her Classmates Covered Her Desk In Sticky Notes
A Childhood Bond Reunited: Firefighter Saves The Horse That Taught Him To Ride
She Collects Trash 5 Days A Week With Her Dog — So A Resident Gifted Her Dog A Matching Vest
Mom Was About To Miss Her Flight, So A Stranger Picked Up Her Kid And Ran With Her
She Gave Her Dad The One Thing He’d Been Searching For His Whole Life
Son Stops Mid Race To Give His Mom A Kiss During The Special Olympics
Reporter Asks Eileen Gu 'Do You Think Before You Speak?' — Her Answer Is Going Viral
He Went Back To Pay The Man Who Helped Him — But That’s Not What Happened
