NORRISTOWN, Pennsylvania (WPVI) — A cup of coffee is more than just Jake McFarland’s calling card. It’s the key to a sort of superpower for the 25-year-old man with autism.<\/p>\n
“Years ago, I would be in the hallway. I wouldn’t talk to anybody,” he said. “I was always on my iPad the entire time. And now I interact with everybody a lot.”<\/p>\n
Back in 2020, the pandemic kept McFarland away from social activities in school. But he loved to make coffee and tea for his parents at home, earning him the name ‘Barista Jake.’<\/p>\n
His parents, who own a record store called ‘Vinyl Closet Records,’<\/a> created a coffee cart to connect with their customers. McFarland started serving behind the counter and the rest was history.<\/p>\n The family created ‘Coffee Closet with Barista Jake,’<\/a> a permanent installation inside the record store.<\/p>\n There, McFarland does more than just serve drinks. He provides mentorship opportunities and job skills to local students with special needs.<\/p>\n Watch the video above to see Barista Jake’s story and how he helps students unlock their potential.<\/p>\n To learn more or get involved with Coffee Closet with Barista Jake, visit their website.<\/a><\/p>\n This segment of Philly Proud is brought to you by Visit Philly.<\/a><\/p>\n