Congresswoman Visits Chatham Eatery That Supports Special Needs

CHATHAM, NJ - Fresh off their award for supporting students with special needs, Sorriso Kitchen owners Karen and Jimmy Bellas played host to Democratic Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) on Tuesday.

"We were honored and delighted to host some very special guests today," Karen Bellas posted to Facebook. "Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill and ECLC of New Jersey staff and families."

Sherrill was in Chatham to tour the ECLC of New Jersey Chatham location, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary. One of the Bellas's children has Down Syndrome, and the Bellas family realized that, while he would always have a position in their family business, the same was not true for many of his classmates at ECLC, a local school that offers "Education, Careers and Lifelong Community" to students with developmental disabilities.

Karen and Jimmy Bellas decided topartner with their son's school to help students learn a trade and work in the restaurant.

On Mondays, the restaurant is closed, and students walk to the restaurant with the ECLC staff. The Sunday night Sorriso staff does not complete their closing checklists so ECLC students will have meaningful work on Mondays when they travel to the restaurant with their teachers and paraprofessionals.

Students practice hands on tasks such as setting tables, cleaning and maintaining caddies on the tables, sweeping, and cleaning menus while also brushing up on interpersonal skills such as meeting and greeting techniques, seating customers, and effectively communicating with coworkers. During the week, teachers at ECLC use photos, for example, a proper table setting, and role playing to prepare students to manage the hands on experiences in the restaurant. Additionally, the class has met with the Sorriso chef to learn about food preparation, and some students work on Fridays to gain further experience.

Sherrill got to see both the school facility and the restaurant up close on Tuesday.

"After touring the school and spending time with the students, they joined us for a light breakfast where they were able to share ideas and concerns regarding children with special needs," Bellas said. "It was a pleasure and a privilege to host this group dedicated to building awareness of and supporting individuals with special needs and their families."

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