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

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.
1986
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.
2013
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.
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.
2017
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.
2019
new locations
Soon after opening our second location, we were able to open two more locations in Atlanta and Rome, Georgia.
2020
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.
Present Day