Collaborative workspace, nonprofit coffee shop announce grand opening in Fenton

FENTON, MI — A grand opening event is planned for a new collaborative workspace and nonprofit coffee shop helping to bridge the gap between high school and employment for young adults with cognitive disabilities.

The Collaboration Grounds, located at 1537 N. Leroy St. in Fenton, will serve as the new permanent home for The Way Coffee Co., a nonprofit that employs teens and young adults with cognitive disabilities.

The grand opening is planned for 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm Wednesday, Sept. 12.

The Collaboration Grounds is also home to Elite Agents (EXP), a real estate group, and a studio where residents can record podcasts. Olivia Sanders, founder and director of The Way Coffee, said a pastor with The Way Church, which is partnered with her organization, has already decided to begin recording his podcasts there, and agents with Elite Agents (EXP) will use the space to record podcasts as well.

“So many people want to have a voice, but they don’t have the equipment,” said Todd Warda, head coach with Elite Agents (EXP).

Residents can schedule to record podcasts at the studio on the Collaboration Grounds’ website, www.collaborationgrounds.com. There are also cubicles available, which can be booked on the website.

“The acoustics are good,” Sanders said. “Anybody can use it.”

Wednesday’s event is meant to celebrate the opening of the new space and get the word out about The Way Coffee’s upcoming silent auction, the Brew and Bid, on Oct. 18. More information about the silent auction can be found at waycoffee.org.

During the grand opening, attendees will be able to eat pizza from Enzo’s Pizzeria, which is located directly next to The Way Coffee’s new location. Additionally, The Way Coffee will serve coffee and donuts.

One employee at The Way Coffee, Bret Rife, said he has been looking forward to the grand opening, and he will greet and serve customers during the event.

“There’s going to be a DJ,” Rife said. “I’m excited.”

Rife also said he is impressed with the new space he has been working in for the past few weeks.

“This building is cool,” Rife said. “I love this new building.”

The Way Coffee has been open at its new location for about three weeks. The Way Coffee had initially planned to build its store at The Way Church in Fenton, where the organization was established in the spring of 2023.

Warda met with Sanders about a year ago and told her he wanted to purchase an office space for his agents because he wanted a place where he could consistently meet with clients and other agents. Now, Elite Agents (EXP) agents can hold meetings at The Way Coffee which is just steps away from the company’s office space.

“Originally, I wanted to change the way a real estate office looks,” Warda said. “There’s not a lot of people walking in to have a conversation with a real estate agent because they can get everything online.”

While The Way Coffee pays to sublet its space in the Collaboration Grounds, Elite Agents (EXP) covers the cost of utilities. Additionally, Sanders said that just about everything at their new location was a gift, including its LED sign.

The Collaboration Grounds’ name came about when Sanders was looking for potential names for the new space by using ChatGPT. She said she and Warda wanted a name for the new space that would reflect what is sold inside and their collective goal of making it meeting place for the community.

“Coffee is led to a great conversation for so many people, and it’s a way of connecting the community,” Warda said.

Sanders said the partnership with Elite Agents (EXP) has been a good fit because their missions are aligned and “purpose driven.” She explained that Warda is a purpose coach.

“It’s such a bigger purpose,” Warda said. “I’m all about purpose.”

“It’s so great, and I think we’re just going to grow even more.”

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