Stand Pie Me opens café, uplifting special needs youth

Originally published on Citizen’s Journal Published: Oct 7, 2024.

Stand Pie Me opens its first café in Petaling Jaya, offering employment and training for special needs youth. Enjoy great pies while supporting a meaningful cause.

Stand Pie Me, a social enterprise that supports young adults with special needs, has opened its first café in Millennium Square, Petaling Jaya.

The café offers a welcoming space not only for customers to enjoy delicious pies and quiches but also as a platform for individuals with special needs to gain employment and training in food production.

Since its founding four years ago, Stand Pie Me has grown into a beacon of inclusivity, and the café’s grand opening marks a significant milestone in its mission.

Sarjit Singh, chairperson of Persatuan Stand, leads the organisation and emphasises the café’s role in providing practical skills and opportunities for special needs individuals.

“We are proud to offer an environment where young adults can develop their culinary talents and move towards self-sufficiency,” Singh said.

A grand celebration with local support

The opening event was a festive affair, with Nori Abdullah, a prominent advocate for the neurodiverse community, delivering a speech praising Stand Pie Me’s inclusive initiatives.

The café’s location next to Asiajaya LRT station offers easy access and high visibility, making it a hub for the community.

The event also featured pop-up stalls selling local delicacies, handcrafted goods, and live portrait painting, creating a culturally rich atmosphere.

A mural by local artist Amanda Vashti at the café entrance symbolises the community spirit and unity that Stand Pie Me embodies.

By the end of the opening day, all of Stand Pie Me’s signature pies were sold out, a testament to the community’s enthusiastic support.

Stand Pie Me fostering inclusivity through food

Under Singh’s leadership, Stand Pie Me has evolved from a small bakery into a thriving social enterprise that not only serves quality food but also champions inclusivity.

The café’s mission is to provide meaningful employment and training to young adults with special needs, helping them achieve independence and self-confidence.

The enterprise’s success demonstrates how passion and purpose can create opportunities that make a lasting impact.

Stand Pie Me’s journey is a powerful example of how businesses can combine social causes with excellent products, offering both customers and employees a chance to contribute to a more inclusive society.

For more information or to order their handcrafted pies, contact Stand Pie Me at 011-5628 3812 or email [email protected].

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