Juliette Low Hosts Hugs and Mugs Pop-Up Featuring District Alumni
Juliette Low Elementary School recently welcomed staff for a special pop-up event with Hugs and Mugs, a unique coffee and gelato café that provides meaningful employment opportunities for adults with Down Syndrome. Hugs and Mugs is a program through GiGi’s Playhouse and GiGi University. The café is staffed by individuals who have completed job training and mentoring programs, which includes proud alumni from our district.
Staff at Juliette Low enjoyed delicious gelato and great conversations with the incredible café team. Behind the counter were proud CCSD59 alumni from Rupley Elementary School and Grove Junior High School – all of whom were once students of Ms. Zubik, Ms. Stukes, Ms. Caruso, Ms. Nagaro, and Ms. Unterreiner who now all teach at Juliette Low. Our alumni, along with all the café staff, showcased their talents, professionalism, and the confidence they’ve gained through continued support and experience in the workplace.
The event was a celebration of inclusion, connection, and community pride. We are proud of our former students, inspired by the entire Hugs and Mugs team, and grateful for partners who help create purposeful, empowering career pathways for all.
