Thursday, October 5, 2023
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<36hd>Place of Support, Hope, Love and Opportunity
<1b>By Bonnie Hobbs
<2b>The Connection
For the past decade, Cameron’s Coffee & Chocolates in Fairfax City has made life sweeter not only for its customers, but for its special-needs employees. So it’s no wonder that everyone from City officials to members of the community turned out last Friday, Sept. 29, to help it celebrate its 10th anniversary.
Knowing firsthand the serious challenges those with intellectual disabilities face when seeking jobs, owners Ellen and Jim Graham began the nonprofit, Every 1 Can Work. They then operated it as Cameron’s, named after their daughter, who’s worked there since it opened its doors on Oct. 1, 2013.
Offering treats made from the finest Callebaut Belgian chocolate, plus beverages and signature baked goods made from scratch each day, this Fairfax Circle shop soon became a local destination. And all the people jamming into the business last week to honor Cameron’s anniversary affirmed how it continues to grow in popularity.
Some of Cameron’s hand-crafted Belgian chocolates (from left) dark-chocolate coconut, pumpkin and milk-chocolate coconut. Other favorites include salted caramel and dulce de leche.
Fairfax Mayor Catherine Read, who’s Jim Graham’s cousin, said it was important to him to build a successful business the community would come to “because the baked goods were delicious, and the chocolates were distinctive.” Otherwise, they wouldn’t be able to provide employment for their daughter and others like her.
“There were three employees when they opened,” she said. “And it’s great to look out and see all the people here now who have a job where you make people happy with what you do every day.
“I’ve always believed this would be a unique business that could be a blueprint in the county, region and country for how we employ people who want to do meaningful work and get paid for it,” continued Read. “So my heart overflows because I know how much this business and the people here have meant to the City of Fairfax and beyond.”
Jennifer Rose, executive director of the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce (CFCC), was a Cameron’s customer even before joining the CFCC. “Ellen and Cammie have been great friends of mine,” said Rose. “I always stop every Monday to pick up some treats to take to my kids, and that’s gone back since you’ve opened your doors.
“We’re also thrilled they’re part of our Chamber family. They’re my go-to source for door prizes, and people are excited to see the white bag with the purple stamp on it because they know there’s something delicious in there from Cameron’s.”
Saying the CFCC is delighted to be a Cameron’s supporter, Rose added, “I’ve been here so many days, each week, for coffee and I love bringing new people in to meet all these wonderful faces. So we’re thrilled to celebrate 10 years with you, Ellen. Here’s to you, Cammie, and to another 10 years.”
Ellen Graham then expressed her appreciation to everyone there. “Ten years ago, we started with three workers, and I couldn’t even have imagined we’d have 23 today and have grown so much,” she said. “There are so many people in the room today – and even standing outside – who have helped us along the way; and to those people, I’d like to say thank you.”
Among the groups she acknowledged for their support through the years were the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, the Fairfax City Economic Development Authority (EDA), the CFCC, Fair City Mall and The Lamb Center.
“One of our dreams was always for us not to just operate a store, but to be part of the larger community,” said Graham. “And within the City of Fairfax, that’s exactly what’s happened. Our workers are embraced and supported, and we feel very lucky to be a part of this, so thank you to all of you.”
Introducing Cameron, herself, Read called her the business’s “heart, soul and pulse.” Cameron, too, thanked everyone for coming and told them she hoped they’d enjoy the food served at this celebration.
It was a significant statement because – in addition to the assortment of the store’s baked goods – the bountiful spread included some sandwiches made by young adults at the Davis Training Center. Through its culinary program, Cameron and others like her are able to learn employable skills.
Speaking last before the anniversary ribbon-cutting, City Councilmember Tom Ross noted that his first grandson is a “special-needs child.” So, to Ross, “This business represents what’s so unique about this relationship between the City, the people who work here with Ellen and Jim, and all the support” Cameron’s has received.
“This is what it takes – a community of lots of people coming together to help support this kind of place, where there’s love, great food and great chocolates,” he continued. “I see so many people in here every day that it’s become a networking place. So thank you to all those here today working.”
After the ceremony, attendees mingled while enjoying sandwiches and desserts and purchasing some goodies to take home. And family members of some of the employees told The Connection why Cameron’s means so much to them, personally.
Maria Cunningham’s daughter, Catie, has worked there eight years and loves it. “She makes candy and baked goods, wraps and boxes orders, and cleans up, too,” said Cunningham. “And it’s a safe environment for a pretty, young woman to work and not worry about her safety, because this population especially can be taken advantage of. So it’s a blessing to her parents not to have to worry about her wellbeing.”
Furthermore, she said, “Cameron’s is a fun place where the employees have a good time and feel supported. And Catie’s learning lots of life skills, like how to handle money, be responsible, problem solve, and take public transportation. She’s also made friends with lots of people in the community and looks forward to seeing them every day.”
Likewise, Stacy Clift said her niece, Bella Alvarez, has worked five years at Cameron’s. “This is my happy place, and I love visiting and supporting such a wonderful community full of love and purpose,” said Clift. “And this is what Cameron’s provides for these young adults.”
“This is family for Bella and the others,” she continued. “It’s more than just a job. When you work with purpose and meaning, success will follow. The employees have created a skill set; and having that, they feel good about themselves. Places like this tell the story of a community – and hope.”