Love, Lera Cafe/Bakery, Awardee of the IDPAC Innovative Employment Outcome Pilot

October 4, 2019

"Love, Lera" Founders from Left to right: Pooja Neelam, Lera Asprelli and Steven Mazzaco

“Love, Lera” café/bakery, Awardee of the IDPAC Innovative Employment Outcome Pilot

The Department of Developmental Services and the Intellectual Disability Partnership Advisory Council recently announced the 21 awardees selected to participate in the Intellectual Disability Partnership Innovative Employment Outcomes Pilot.  Interested entities were asked to submit business plans for an innovative or alternative business model that employs or encourages the employment of individuals with intellectual disability. The pilot program focuses on providing support and resources to ensure the success of new business ventures that integrate individuals with intellectual disability. The department hopes these business models will also provide a framework for other entities interested in similar work.

One of the awardees selected for the pilot is “Love, Lera” cafe/bakery. The mission of “Love, Lera” is to provide meaningful employment at a living wage to persons with disabilities while providing the community of West Haven with great coffee and baked goods. The bakery intends to provide an integrated working environment that allows employees to maximize their job skills. “Love, Lera” founders said “with this employment and business ownership we believe that an adult with developmental disabilities will find fulfillment and become self-supporting. The environment created through our business provides a safe atmosphere for socialization as well.”

Thank you “Love, Lera” we look forward to visiting your bakery and tasting the yummy treats!

"Love, Lera" Founders