Café Joyeux is a family of café-restaurant businesses that contribute to the professional inclusion of people with mild intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) with the overarching goal of fostering natural, positive, and regular encounters with the difference. It was established in Portugal in 2021 by Vila com Vida, an association dedicated to supporting independent living for young people with mild IDD.
Café Joyeux Portugal embraces a strengths-based approach to employing, training, and empowering people with disabilities (PWD), focusing on their abilities and potential, and helping them grow professionally by building on their unique skills and talents.
Although having the mission and business at the heart of the organization inspired and energized the team, it also introduced organizational tensions that were challenging to navigate.
This case explores the journey of navigating these challenges, as Café Joyeux remains simultaneously committed to both its inclusive mission and business.
Author: Miguel Pina e Cunha, Isabel Lopo
Reference Number: NSBE 15-23008
Number of pages: 9
Publisher: Nova School of Business and Economics
Teaching Notes: No
Language: English
Price: 3,50