FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Media Contact:

Shanna Head
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
Explore Ridgeland
(o) 601.605.5251

shanna@exploreridgealnd.com 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 18, 2025

The Lily Pad Cafe Opens in Ridgeland: A Place of Opportunity, Inclusion, and Transformation

Ridgeland, Miss. - A groundbreaking initiative has begun in Ridgeland, Miss. as the doors have opened for The Lily Pad Cafe, a not-for-profit restaurant dedicated to creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With its mission to empower, train, and prepare employees for future career opportunities, The Lily Pad Cafe aims to be a transformative stepping stone for its team members and the community.

The cafe has hosted soft openings leading up to its official ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday, Dec. 17. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, 80.7 percent of individuals with disabilities are unemployed. The Lily Pad Cafe directly addresses this disparity by employing individuals of all ability levels and providing comprehensive training to equip them with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the workforce. The cafe is also collaborating with local restaurants and businesses to ensure seamless employee job transitions, fostering long-term community impact.

The Lily Pad Cafe is the vision of Kristin and Brent Lape, and Kelly and Deanna Elliott, inspired by their children Lily and Hayden, who both have Down syndrome. Since 2012, the Lapes and Elliotts have advocated for awareness and inclusion, starting with their annual fundraising event, Run Up for Downs, which has raised over $62,000 for organizations supporting individuals with Down syndrome in Central Mississippi. This annual event is now known as Leap for the Lily Pad and has been the foundation for fundraising efforts to open The Lily Pad Cafe since 2016.

"Our journey began as parents searching for opportunities for Lily and others like her,” said Kristin Lape, director of The Lily Pad Cafe. “Too often, families in our community face limited options after high school. The Lily Pad Cafe is about showing what's possible—unlocking potential and changing perceptions one customer interaction at a time.”

The Lily Pad Cafe's mission extends beyond its employees. Modeled after the successful Hugs Cafe in Texas, its operations aim to create ripple effects throughout the community. By showcasing the abilities of its employees, the cafe hopes to shift societal attitudes and foster greater inclusion for individuals with disabilities. Each customer experience at The Lily Pad Cafe offers an opportunity to learn, connect, and leave with a changed heart and mind.

While the cafe serves as a beacon of hope for its employees, The Lily Pad Cafe also invites the community to play an integral role in its mission by volunteering as Job Coaches.

Call for Volunteers: Be Part of the Mission

The Lily Pad Cafe actively seeks Job Coaches to support its employees as they learn valuable skills. Volunteers will shadow interns and offer guidance and encouragement to help them perform tasks such as working in the kitchen, operating the register, preparing drinks, running food, and managing the hostess stand.

Volunteer Requirements:

• Must be 18 years or older
• Shifts are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Friday
• No prior experience is necessary—just a willingness to make a difference!

Sign-Up: thelilypadms.com/mentors-job-coaches/

To experience The Lily Pad Cafe, reservations are currently required to help team members plan, host, and serve. Reservations can be made at this link. For more information about the cafe, its mission, or how to support its efforts, visit thelilypadms.com. The Lily Pad Café is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the first Saturday of each month.

The cafe will close for the holidays; please check their Facebook page for updated hours. For more information about visiting Ridgeland, explore www.exploreridgeland.com. 

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About The Lily Pad Cafe
The Lily Pad Cafe is a not-for-profit restaurant in Ridgeland, Mississippi, dedicated to employing and training individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through a supportive and empowering work environment, the cafe aims to provide its employees with the skills and confidence necessary to transition into broader workforce opportunities, while inspiring the community to embrace inclusion and celebrate abilities.