Tampa General Hospital Launches Inclusive Cafe for Community Empowerment
On November 19, 2025, Tampa General Hospital (TGH) proudly unveiled a new Coffee Uniting People (CUP) café at the TGH Outpatient Center located in Brandon, Florida. This latest addition marks CUP's fifth location in the Tampa Bay area, aiming to create a more inclusive environment while supporting individuals with disabilities through meaningful employment opportunities.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including hospital officials and community members. John Couris, the president and CEO of TGH, expressed the hospital's commitment to the community, highlighting that the new CUP café not only enriches the patient experience but also contributes to the local economy by fostering inclusive employment.
CUP is a nonprofit organization that operates cafés across Tampa Bay. Their core mission is to create job opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, paving the way for increased independence and social interaction. Founders Laura and Greg Jones initiated this venture after witnessing the challenges faced by adults with disabilities when transitioning from youth programs into the workforce, a struggle that was exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. They recognized the necessity for a space where people of all abilities could collaborate and thrive together.
This new café at TGH Outpatient Center will serve not only patients and visitors but also promotes a philosophy of inclusivity. Currently, CUP employs over 60 individuals with various disabilities within its workplaces, allowing them to gain professional experience while working alongside their peers.
The partnership between TGH and CUP embodies a shared vision of community empowerment through compassionate care. Adam Smith, TGH's executive vice president and chief ambulatory care officer, praised the collaboration, asserting that CUP’s mission harmonizes with TGH's goals of creating a supportive environment for everyone.
The initiative to open a CUP location at TGH was driven by Phil Dingle, the former chairman of TGH's board. His vision of incorporating CUP into the hospital spurred a series of discussions with TGH leadership and CUP to ensure the café would be a fitting addition to the outpatient center. Both organizations are excited about the positive implications this partnership brings, from job creation to enhancing the overall patient experience.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including hospital officials and community members. John Couris, the president and CEO of TGH, expressed the hospital's commitment to the community, highlighting that the new CUP café not only enriches the patient experience but also contributes to the local economy by fostering inclusive employment.
CUP is a nonprofit organization that operates cafés across Tampa Bay. Their core mission is to create job opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, paving the way for increased independence and social interaction. Founders Laura and Greg Jones initiated this venture after witnessing the challenges faced by adults with disabilities when transitioning from youth programs into the workforce, a struggle that was exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. They recognized the necessity for a space where people of all abilities could collaborate and thrive together.
This new café at TGH Outpatient Center will serve not only patients and visitors but also promotes a philosophy of inclusivity. Currently, CUP employs over 60 individuals with various disabilities within its workplaces, allowing them to gain professional experience while working alongside their peers.
The partnership between TGH and CUP embodies a shared vision of community empowerment through compassionate care. Adam Smith, TGH's executive vice president and chief ambulatory care officer, praised the collaboration, asserting that CUP’s mission harmonizes with TGH's goals of creating a supportive environment for everyone.
The initiative to open a CUP location at TGH was driven by Phil Dingle, the former chairman of TGH's board. His vision of incorporating CUP into the hospital spurred a series of discussions with TGH leadership and CUP to ensure the café would be a fitting addition to the outpatient center. Both organizations are excited about the positive implications this partnership brings, from job creation to enhancing the overall patient experience.
Topics Health）
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