Lake Como’s newest restaurant supports adults with disabilities in a real-world work environment.

Managed by the nonprofit Circle of Friends, the 22 special needs employees work in a cafe where hope and compassion flow from every glass.

“She clears the table, sometimes she takes orders and restocks the fridge and condiments,” said Maribell Caragiulo, the mother of Valerie, an employee at the cafe.

“The fact that she is not locked away in a back room or an institution gives me hope for the future,” she says.

“You come to work every day with a smile on your face and it feels good to come to work. That’s not something you can say about most jobs,” says Cassandra Fostik, manager at Circle of Friends Café.

Circle of Friends is known for hosting dance and karaoke nights for people with special needs in Monmouth County. Local businessman Reggie Hyde provided the space rent-free and Beast Restaurant Equipment supplied tens of thousands of dollars worth of kitchen equipment to make it possible.

“We are all unique in our own way and we all have our own disabilities. Some are different, some are the same,” Dangler added.

While head chef Janine mans the stove and fryer, every other aspect of Circle of Friends Café is managed by the amazing staff, from food preparation to serving.

“We can enjoy the dances and we can work here. People may not be able to work, but we can work here in our own way,” Dangler said.

“I love working here. She loves being here,” said Valerie and Maribell.

The Circle of Friends Café is open Thursday through Monday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Main Street in Lake Como.