11/03/2025
We couldn’t be more excited (or proud) to share our November cover story with you. The I’m Possible Cafe is the brainchild of Joe and Paulette Rude of Wayne, with inspiration from their son, Garrett. At first glance, it may seem like a simple bagel/coffee shop inside Seven Scoops, but it’s so much more.
It’s a place where special needs make it work.
The staff is made up primarily of special needs people, particularly those post-21, outside of most systemic programs. And thanks to them being involved from very early on, they’ve become a tight-knit group of friends, all excited to get to work.
“We’re here to celebrate these people,” Joe explains. “It’s a place where not only Garrett can work, but also his peers, and where we can shine a light on their abilities.”
“On Saturdays, we’ll kind of celebrate the kids’ special talents. Garrett happens to be very involved with music. So he’ll get a chance to do some drumming. There’s other kids that are artists, so we’ll be showcasing some of their artwork. Other kids like to dance and sing. So, you know, besides the work, every hour we’re going to be like, okay, it’s Matthew’s time to sing or it’s Sean’s turn to, you know, tell his jokes. It’s their opportunity to show all that they can offer, and how unique they really are.”
“We’re so grateful to the owners of Seven Scoops and Sips for their tremendous support, generosity, and vision to help us get this off the ground,” Joe says.
But now they plan to likely limit their public fundraising efforts to a once-yearly event and concentrate upon finding corporate sponsors to help with their supply needs. “There’s so much need in the world,” according to Joe. “Everyone has their stuff. We don’t want to take away from anyone else’s real need to raise money for what they’re going through.”
This is a family that brings sparkle and sunshine to everything it touches.
The bright light of I’m Possible is just beginning to shine.
I’m Possible is open from 8-11:30AM, September through June, on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
You can find them inside Seven Scoops at 321 Changebrook Road in Pine Brook.
