ExtraSpecialTeas founder and executive director, Cherri Sanes, has been selected by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women as one of the Commonwealth’s Unsung Heroines of 2017. The Unsung Heroine honors go to incredible women who have been nominated by legislators from their districts and selected for their contributions to their community and the Commonwealth. The event will be held on June 21, 2017 from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the Massachusetts State House Great Hall.
Unsung Heroines are women who don’t always make the news, but truly make the difference in their communities, businesses, or volunteer endeavors. Cherri Sanes was selected because she is a woman who, without fanfare or recognition, uses her time, talent, spirit, and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of the special needs adult community in the Berkshires.
ExtraSpecialTeas opened in April 2016 as the first ever nonprofit tea house operated by special needs adults. Cherri’s son, Jache, challenged with autism, aged out of public school when he turned 22 years old in May of 2014 and inspired this project. The CDC estimates that each year 50,000 special needs young adults age out of public education throughout the country and the majority have nowhere to turn. Cherri wanted Jache, and young adults with similar challenges, to be included, not excluded from the community. With her mantra that “The future belongs to everyone belonging,” she put all of her passion and energy into creating a tea house filled with purpose, possibility and joy as a haven for special needs adults to work and interact with the community of Great Barrington, just steps from Main Street.
Cherri says, “I’m so honored by this nomination. There are so many amazing non-profits in the Berkshires run by dedicated and talented women…and men! But the true unsung heroes are our ExtraSpecial Servers who are now able to contribute to their community by talking to customers, serving tea, stamping tea cozies, making crafts. They make a difference every day."
ExtraSpecialTeas is located a 2 Elm Street, Great Barrington. It’s hours are Monday – Thursday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm; and Friday – Sunday, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. Follow ExtraSpecialTeas on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Give reviews on Yelp. https://extraspecialteas.myshopify.com
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