Md. mother opens smoothie shop that offers jobs, internships to people with special needs

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (WJLA) — When a Maryland mother couldn't find a safe, judgment-free space for her kids with special needs, she took matters into her own hands.

Monique Sotomarino created That Smoothie Place, but it isn’t just any smoothie shop–it’s a place where people with special needs can feel safe and welcomed, a place for people of all abilities.

Sotomarino is a mother of three, all with special needs.

“Fragile X is the number one leading inherited cause of autism,” she said.

It’s a genetic condition Monique didn’t know she carried until she was seven months pregnant with her third child. Her twins are now 19 and her third teenager is almost 17.

When they meet someone they meet you for who you are not for what you are or what position you hold,” Sotomarino said about her kids. “Based on what’s offered here in Maryland, I didn’t see them as having a place where they felt included and accepted for who they are and where basically they could thrive.”

Her business in Damascus partners with Montgomery County Public Schools by providing internships and jobs.

“I didn't want to focus just on higher-functioning individuals, but individuals of all abilities and give them their opportunity to try this place out,” said Sotomarino.

She's thought of everything. Sometimes, it might take a little longer to get your smoothie, which is why she provides entertainment at all the tables.

“I love to see families come in and put down their phones and actually focus on the games,” said Sotomarino. “I even have families, they switch tables.”

The goal is to bring That Smoothie Place to other cities so they can partner with other districts too.

I believe all of us can learn from one another. We all have our sets of differences and no matter our abilities. There's always a learning experience,” said Sotomarino. “I wanted to normalize, engaging and seeing individuals with special needs in the workforce.”

You can check out That Smoothie Place and its missionhere.