The news spread fast through the Connecticut River Valley.
A quaint Connecticut coffee house dedicated to employing the neurodiverse — or those with learning differences — has announced its sudden closure.
The Nest Coffee House in Deep River will close August 10 after six years, according to a social media post.
It was about so much more than coffee and sweet treats.
The owner wrote, “It is with a heavy heart,” they are closing.
“Although we are saying goodbye to The Nest, we invite you to join us in celebrating all we accomplished in our community,” the social media post says.
“Six years ago, we could hardly have imagined that The Nest would make our corner of the world a better place in so many ways..”
Then they listed accomplishments: assisting 50 interns in exploring their employment journey; being the catalyst for over 1,000 people attending events fostering inclusion and compassion; serving 64,759 drinks, “warming hearts and soothing souls.”; bringing 42,995 cookies, brownies, crumb cakes and other baked goods to “hungry bellies.”
And finally, “Showing the world what a little compassion can do.”
The Nest Coffee House had opened right before the pandemic occurred and had to face the setback of being shut down for a time, The Courant has reported.
“We had a rough couple of years trying to keep things going and I am proud we are still here,” Jane Moen the founder of A Little Compassion Inc., which was the umbrella organization under which The Nest Coffee House operated, said in 2023, noting that the strain was intense at times. They did fundraisers when they needed to and she said members of the community helped a lot.
The community/customers are bereft about the closing.
“This is heartbreaking. Let us know how we can help,” one fan wrote.
Another wrote, “We’re so saddened by this news as you created a warm, inclusive gathering spot that we enjoyed so much. I hope your team is proud of their good work and accomplishments.”
One fan wrote, “So sad to hear,” and added, “But , hold your head so high for all the wonderful things brought to the community.”
Another saddened customer wrote, “I’ve had a few people find comfort in your place before.”
With a broken heart emoji another wrote, “So sorry to hear this.”
There’s even some implication in comments of controversy.
“This sucks. I feel like you all were targeted,” one person wrote.
Others commented on the business community in general.
“It takes a very strong and supportive community day after day to keep a small business afloat,” the post states.
As a patron once said, “You don’t serve coffee here. You serve compassion in a cup.”
The social media post from owners goes on to say that, “So many folks have made The Nest possible and we are grateful for each and every person that helped create our a soft place to land. We thank you for all the love and support over the years.”
The post also says although The Nest will close its doors August 10, their “important work” will continue through their Gatherings Program, Outreach Programs and Doggie Barks.
More information will be made available in the coming days, the post states.
The owners invite people to come by, grab a cup of coffee and leave a memory in a jar.
Merchandise is 25 percent off while supplies last.