Our Impact
Our vision for the future is simple: to see individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities actively engaged and represented in all facets of community life as both employees and customers, fully integrated and participating. With the right support, everyone can find their place in the world of work, contributing to a more inclusive and diverse society.
This is how we're getting there.
Into your hearts and hands
Since opening in Fall 2022, we have handcrafted and served over 45,000 beverages, each one an opportunity to challenge perceptions and showcase the ability. That is 45,000 opportunities to learn, grow, and connect through delicious
handmade beverages.
Together, we're making a difference—one handcrafted beverage at a time.
Beyond our café, we’re proud to showcase and support disability-owned businesses and employers who hire inclusively. Our market features eight such enterprises, and thanks to our community’s support, over $20,000 has been reinvested directly into their hands.
A platform for growth
Each participant at Melly’s starts their journey with our expansive program that includes 16 modules focused on workplace and work skills and 16 pillars focused on personal development. We focus first on the skills needed to Keep The Job, Moving on to Doing the Job and finally, Getting the Job.
To date, 79 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities have taken part, building confidence and skills in a safe, welcoming environment designed for their growth.
In addition, 45 youth have completed our transformative 9-week Summer Development Program, opening doors to new confidence, skills, and future possibilities.
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$20K Back to Disability-Driven Businesses
Beyond our direct initiatives, we have dedicated ourselves to showcasing and supporting businesses that are disability-owned or that hire individuals with disabilities. Our market features eight such enterprises, and by purchasing directly from them, we've funneled over $20,000 back into their hands. This support not only bolsters their ventures but also amplifies the message of the incredible talent within the disability community.
Melly's Bridge
The power of collaboration cannot be understated.
Six remarkable business inclusion partnerships—Crossfit Oshawa, Pingles, LCBO, Aspire Climbing Whitby, Unique Town Boutique, and Eat my Shortbread—stand as symbols of progress and unity.
Each business hired and mentored graduates from our program. Together, we're forging a path towards an inclusive society where everyone's contributions are recognized and valued.
Employment
Our graduates are stepping confidently into the workforce, equipped with the skills, experiences, and determination they’ve built through our program. To date, they’ve secured 24 employment opportunities outside of our own establishment.
This success comes from hard work, perseverance, and consistent practice — from preparing for job applications and interviews to onboarding and gaining real work experience at Melly’s.
On Saturdays, we flip the script with Melly’s Workday. No coaches, no guided lessons — just real work. Participants apply for posted jobs, interview, complete their paperwork, follow job descriptions, track their hours, and meet with their supervisor for a performance review. This repetitive, hands-on experience builds confidence, fluency, and independence. So far, they’ve submitted over 350 applications, completed 315 interviews, and worked more than 400 paids shifts at Melly’s.
The long-term impact is powerful: job-ready candidates who have dedicated over 200 hours to their personal and professional growth. From here, they launch from Melly’s into the community, ready to contribute their skills and provide real value to employers.
Raising the Bar
Engaging with the community has been the cornerstone of our commitment to our vision. We have organized and participated in 20+ events that bring people of all abilities together for various activities and collaborations.
By fostering inclusivity and breaking down barriers, these gatherings have not only created joy and camaraderie but have also played a significant role in building our incredibly supportive community.
You may have joined us at one of our "Raise the Bar" events, focused on skill-building and initiating conversations about work and contributions from kids and teens with disabilities. Perhaps you've attended a school tour or a presentation at our facility. We've also been active across the Durham Region and Toronto, visiting different businesses, events, and celebrations with our team to advocate for inclusion in the workplace.
Through these efforts, we continue to foster a community where everyone is valued, abilities are celebrated, and real inclusion is possible.
Our impact goes beyond numbers; it's a story of empowerment, growth, and the unwavering spirit of our participants. As we continue on this path, we're excited about the future we're shaping—one where opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are limitless.