Kay and I decided it was finally time to take Maeve to Dig It Coffee! This is one of my favorite inclusive coffee shops, filled with good vibes, creative drinks, and delicious food. I’ve mentioned Dig It before and the wonderful impact it has had on me and many families in our community, but I don’t think I have ever shared the story of how Dig It came to be.
The founder, Taylor, was inspired by her younger sister Lindsay, who has Down syndrome. That personal connection led to the creation of The Garden Foundation, a Las Vegas nonprofit that helps people with disabilities build life skills, independence, and community connections. Dig It Coffee began as a vocational training program through The Garden Foundation before it grew into the physical café we know today.
If you ever find yourself in Las Vegas, or even if you live here and have not visited yet, Dig It is the place to go when you want a coffee shop that serves kindness, coffee, and inclusion. Dig It is not just a café, it is a social enterprise with a mission to provide meaningful job opportunities and mentorship for adults of all abilities. One of my favorite features inside is the mural inspired by rapper 2 Chainz with the words “I’m different, yeah, I’m different.” I always try to snap a photo of Kay in front of it whenever we stop by.
Dig It is also an inclusive workplace in the truest sense. Staff members receive fair wages, which is especially important since people with disabilities are too often paid below minimum wage in other settings. Here, employees of all abilities work side by side, breaking down stigma and showing what inclusion looks like in action.
Maeve soaked in all the sights and smells of the shop, although she seemed a little unsure about the disco balls. I have been there when the place was buzzing with activity and I have been there when it was quiet and cozy. Luckily, Maeve’s first visit was on one of the more relaxed days, which was the perfect introduction for her.