Possibilities Abound At The Nest Coffee House In Deep River

DEEP River, CT — With a glisten in their eyes and joy in their heart, the folks at the Nest Coffee House in downtown Deep River, have expanded, to offer more than just goodies and coffee, during this very special holiday season, and have opened the “Possibilities Boutique,” transforming their cozy “gathering” room into a beautiful marketplace, showcasing local artists and some very special goods.

“This goes along with our mission, which is to have the young adults who are involved with our program seen and valued for their unique gifts,” explained Jane Moen, founder of the non-profit A Little Compassion, which is the umbrella organization for the Nest Coffee House. Part of the mission of A Little Compassion is to create work experience and employment opportunities for young adults with disabilities and build a bridge to adulthood.

Moen started the non-profit in 2018 and The Nest opened in 2019. It was an instant success in the downtown area of Deep River and quickly became a local meeting place for people of all ages and all abilities until COVID-19 hit and shut everything down. Moen, who calls the “Possibilities Boutique” a place with passion and purpose, explained that once the coffee house was able to open again, the gathering room looked a little vacant, so she decided it would be nice to fill it with some amazing goods made by local artists and merchants, (many of which are on the autism spectrum).

Moen explained that every handmade item being sold has been made locally and has its own story to tell. Whether it be overcoming obstacles, finding your way, branching out, fitting in or celebrating differences.

“When something is meant to happen here it just does,” smiled Moen, who was in need of some display shelves and tables and a local man, just down the street from The Nest, kindly offered up his garage full of odds and ends.

“He said, ‘Take what you need.’ It was so kind,” explained Moen, who is grateful for the support of the community for The Nest and the “Possibilities Boutique”.

Complete with a magical hand-painted tree mural on the wall, a flood of natural light through the front windows and an eclectic array of crates, tables and shelves, “Possibilities,” has an offering of goods perfect for filling up Christmas stockings, hiding under the tree and wrapping up in holiday cheer.

“Each maker has chosen to be a part of “Possibilities” because they believe in opportunity and inclusion. We have some great things here and we are so proud of all of the people who have worked so hard to make these goods. This is an opportunity they might otherwise never have had,” said Moen, finding the silver lining in the COVID-19 pandemic.

She added, “Please remember, now is the time to shop local and support local more than ever. Our businesses are the heart of our town and what makes Deep River so special. We want to ensure that they survive these next few months.”

In addition to a selection of scarves, original paintings, handmade pottery, wood carved ornaments, hand sewn lavender eye pillows and more, The Nest is still offering up delicious cups of joe, specialty snacks, shirts, sweatshirts and bags. So, while you are out and about this holiday season, stop by, refuel and pick up a little something special for someone special.

For more information go to https://thenestcoffeehouse.org/.