Marlin Medical Foundation Awards Grant to Hugs Cafe

Today we are announcing a grant to Hugs Cafe Inc., non-profit social enterprise in McKinney, Texas dedicated to providing meaningful training and competitively-paid employment for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Hugs Cafe offers Hope, Understanding, Grace, and Success (HUGS) to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, enhancing their lives through training and employment. A leader in specialized workforce training, Hugs Cafe creates jobs and training programs customized to each employee’s abilities. The organization operates a commercial kitchen and fast-casual restaurant in McKinney where more than 80% of the staff identifies as having a disability. Additionally, the Hugs Greenhouse team grows and sells a variety of annual and perennial plants selected for their ability to thrive in North Texas.

“At Hugs Cafe, we envision a world where people are recognized for the things they can do, rather than the things they cannot,” said Ruth Thompson, founder of Hugs Cafe Inc. “We are an organization that supports and is supported by our community. We appreciate Marlin Medical Foundation’s willingness to be part of our work.”

“Hugs Cafe does so much more than just provide training and employment opportunities,” said Dave Marlin Edwards, founder of the Marlin Medical Foundation. “They recognize and celebrate individuals for their unique abilities and skills. Being seen and appreciated for who you are is transformational.”

The Marlin Medical Foundation seeks to support nonprofits and ministries in North Texas whose missions align with the foundation’s guiding principles. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Please use our contact form if you wish to request a donation.