FAQ

Seesaw Communities is a non-profit organization dedicated to adults with developmental disabilities. The name ‘seesaw’ is inspired by the playground equipment that requires at least two riders to function, symbolizing the balance and cooperation needed between individuals. This reflects the organization’s vision of creating inclusive spaces where people with and without disabilities can interact and enjoy activities together, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.

Seesaw Communities is dedicated to empowering individuals with developmental disabilities by providing vocational training, employment opportunities, and a sense of community. Our mission is to foster independence, self-esteem, and a better quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities by equipping them with the skills and resources needed to thrive in today’s workforce.

2021:

Seesaw Communities was founded during the COVID-19 pandemic with the belief that adults with developmental disabilities,like their peers, should have the opportunity to engage in meaningful work and contribute to society. In May 2021, Seesaw Communities launched its Coffee Education program,providing hands-on training to help participants develop job-ready skills.

2022:

Seesaw introduced its Graphic Art program,empowering participants to develop digital and creative skills.The program aims to help them design and create their own products,offering job opportunities by selling on platforms like Etsy.The Espresso Cart program was launched to raise community awareness about individuals with developmental disabilities while providing them with real-world job experience through events like corporate functions and golf tournaments. Seesaw held 27 Espresso Cart events in 2022.

2023:

Seesaw’s Espresso Cart program expanded, with 57 events held across corporate functions, golf tournaments, and community gatherings. In August 2023, Seesaw Beans and Coffee was opened in Buena Park, facing the difficulty of finding employment for individuals with developmental disabilities in regular stores. All students who completed Seesaw’s training were hired as staff.

2024:

In February 2024, Seesaw launched the Walnut Coffee Training Center in the East LA area, providing individuals with developmental disabilities not only weekly practice in a real-world café setting but also valuable training opportunities. Also in February 2024, a former Seesaw Beans and Coffee staff member, along with their parents, opened an on-site café at San Gabriel Pomona Regional Center, marking their transition to independent business ownership. In August 2024, Seesaw introduced a Baking Program to complement its coffee training, recognizing the importance of bakery skills in running a successful café. To support our growing barista training program, we plan to open 2nd and 3rd locations, which will also include bakery services. These new spaces will provide more hands-on training opportunities, helping trainees develop both coffee-making and baking skills. This expansion will further strengthen our mission to empower individuals with developmental disabilities by providing a supportive environment for vocational training and community engagement.

• VariSTAR Program

1. Barista Training
2. Baking
3. Graphic Design

• Independent Living Skills

1. Personal Finance Management
2. Social Skills and Communication
3. Employment Readiness
4. Self-Advocacy
5. Technology Use
6. Health Management

The classes take 4 months, followed by a 2-month internship, so it takes about 6 months in total.

• The coffee-related classes are held in Walnut and Buena Park.
• Baking classes take place in Buena Park
• The computer class is in Buena Park

Office address

• Main Office : (323) 224-0224 – 5681 Beach Blvd #100 Buena Park CA 90621

• Walnut Training Center – 20801 La Puente Rd Walnut CA 91789

• Seesaw Beans and Coffee (Buena Park) – 6302 Beach Blvd Buena Park 90621

• Seesaw Beans and Coffee (SGPRC) – 75 Rancho Camino Dr. Pomona CA 91766

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Our employment preparation program is for adults aged 22 and older. However, if an individual is over 18 and not receiving an IEP program, they may still be eligible to participate.

• The coffee-related classes are held in Walnut and Buena Park.
• Baking classes take place in Buena Park
• The computer class is in Buena Park

Office address

• Main Office : (323) 224-0224 – 5681 Beach Blvd #100 Buena Park CA 90621

• Walnut Training Center – 20801 La Puente Rd Walnut CA 91789

• Seesaw Beans and Coffee (Buena Park) – 6302 Beach Blvd Buena Park 90621

• Seesaw Beans and Coffee (SGPRC) – 75 Rancho Camino Dr. Pomona CA 91766

To begin, individuals must be 22 years or older, or over 18 and not receiving an IEP. They should also be clients of a regional center and participate in the SDP. Once that’s confirmed, please send your contact information or email us at info@thesc.org, and we will arrange the initial meeting and assessment test for you

• The coffee-related classes are held in Walnut and Buena Park.
• Baking classes take place in Buena Park
• The computer class is in Buena Park

Office address

• Main Office : (323) 224-0224 – 5681 Beach Blvd #100 Buena Park CA 90621

• Walnut Training Center – 20801 La Puente Rd Walnut CA 91789

• Seesaw Beans and Coffee (Buena Park) – 6302 Beach Blvd Buena Park 90621

• Seesaw Beans and Coffee (SGPRC) – 75 Rancho Camino Dr. Pomona CA 91766

All programs are one-on-one. After the initial meeting and assessment, participants can schedule classes at their preferred times. Typically, sessions are held once a week for 2 to 3 hours