Adrien’s Journey: Growth Beyond the Cafe

For one ASCEND Cafe Employee, growth has meant stepping outside of his comfort zone,building connections, discovering new opportunities, and finding the courage to share his story with others. Recently, Adrien had had the opportunity to travel to Sacramento to scope out the Sacramento Office, learn more about how their program works, connect with the team in person, and experience a new city. The trip for Adrien represented another step in a journey that has brought him a long way with ASCEND. “Getting the chance to be invited on the trip was exciting! I enjoyed being able to travel with comfort and with a team that feels like family now, learning new policies that limit independence, seeing the cafe and how both locations are similar with their own unique differences, seeing the city, and lastly going through training and being able to connect to the team in Sac in person rather than virtually. I volunteered because I came a long way with ASCEND, and we discussed planning a trip, so it felt like the right time going forward with the cafe being open to see Sacramento for the first time!”

That same sense of growth carries into Adrien’s work at the cafe. The job for him is not simply about completing tasks or developing professional skills. It is also about connection,

perseverance, and continuing to live life through challenges. “My favorite part of working in the cafe is knowing everyday will be good, because I am developing new skills and living life no matter the struggle that will always be with me. Making connections with the team makes me feel better dealing with my mental health.” Travel has become an important part of Adrien’s perspective on life, and he believes that stepping into new places and experiences can create memories that stay with us. “I think it is good to travel because you can make memorable moments that will make memorable moments that remain in your heart forever!”

Beyond the cafe, writing has become another powerful outlet for expression. Adrien’s creative writing is deeply connected to his experiences, emotions, and desire to talk openly about mental health and epilepsy. We asked Adrien what made him want to pursue creative writing. “Have you ever been so sad that it physically hurts inside? Talking about mental health is important, and by breaking the silence I told myself “I’mma set myself free” coming to ASCEND. Going through times, I often felt alone. It took me a minute to come here and admit to myself that I really want to change, and how I can get my emotions evolved. I am willing to let go of my fears looking for the truth, but it was right in front of me. How is it that I wanted love, but I wasn’t loving myself? No question, faith will lead you. People make mistakes, but mistakes make people. Epilepsy has helped me see life differently and not take stuff for granted, and I will continue to inspire many others.