NCSU student opening coffee shop run by individuals with special needs

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Amber Rupinta Image
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
321 Coffee will be run by people with special needs.
321 Coffee.

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- An NC State University freshman is brewing up a lot of support for the coffee shop she's planning to open after spring break.

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Lindsay Wrege says 321 Coffee will be in the courtyard of Polk Hall on NCSU's campus near the Brickyard. 321 Coffee will be run by individuals with special needs.

"So, the goal is to give them a fulfilling volunteer engagement opportunity and interact with other groups on campus and to give society an opportunity to engage with them and interact with them and blend into communities which is our slogan," Wrege explained.

Wrege has three other friends helping her launch the coffee shop. They've started a GoFundMe and have received a lot of support. The university approved the location on campus and has recognized 321 Coffee as an official student organization. She hopes to expand the business model to other campuses in the future.

Lindsay Wrege speaks with Amber Rupinta

Wrege was inspired to open 321 Coffee after visiting Bitty & Beau's Coffee in Wilmington which is also run by individuals with special needs. Bitty & Beau's has made CNN Heroes Top Ten List which is won by receiving the most votes.