Who We Are
About Us
A program of the non-profit ESP Inc. (Formerly Extra Special People, Inc.), Java Joy was created in 2016 as a way to provide meaningful employment for adults with disabilities while giving the community one-of-a-kind opportunities for engagement. Java Joy exists to create experiences of unmatched joy through moments of engagement with people of all abilities.
A Program of ESP
As a program of ESP, Java Joy is able to not only provide Joyristas with employment, but also with a community of support, that enriches their lives.
ESP is a nonprofit based in Athens, Georgia with a mission to create transformative experiences for people with disabilities and their families, changing communities for the better. Founded in 1986, ESP has grown from an original 21-person summer camp to now serve more than 600 families over 30 counties in Georgia and out-of-state through wrap-around programs and services. As a program of ESP, Java Joy is able to not only provide Joyristas with employment but also provides a community of support that enriches their lives through annual programs.
Joyrista = Joy + Barista
Joyristas are the heart and soul of Java Joy. They serve our coffee, give hugs, and spread the joy. Java Joy wouldn’t exist without them! A Joyrista® is an individual of all abilities who is both being served by Java Joy’s mission and transforming others with their unique perspective. Once you’ve met one, you’ll understand why Java Joy is such an unmatched experience of joy.
Brewing Up Joy
where it all began
ESP is founded to serve individuals with disabilities of all ages through after-school enrichment programs, weekend outings, and summer camp.
introducing bouncin' bean
ESP launched the Bouncin’ Bean coffee counter in 2013 to provide vocational training to adults with disabilities. For years, Bouncin’ Bean was a staple in the ESP community, bringing unmatched joy to everyone who visited the counter for a cup of coffee.
kickstarting the joy
ESP began dreaming of how to take their one-of-a-kind joy out to the community, beyond ESP’s four walls, and launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the dream for Java Joy in December 2016.
realizing a dream
In less than a month, Java Joy was fully funded, with more than $10,000 raised to help get the enterprise off the ground.
going cross country
We always knew we wanted to spread the joy across the United States! In December of 2019, we were able to launch our second location in San Francisco, California.
new locations
Soon after opening our second location, we were able to open two more locations in Atlanta and Rome, Georgia.
Currently, Java Joy employs over 50 adults with disabilities across our four locations. Our vision is to become the largest employer of adults with developmental disabilities in the United States.
