ExtraSpecialTeas’ Blue Party Celebrates TEN YEARS
Providing Vocational Services in the Berkshires
Housatonic, MA – On Saturday, April 18 from 11am to 3pm at 226 Pleasant Street in Housatonic, ExtraSpecialTeas will celebrate its tenth birthday of providing vocational services to special needs adults offered through two teahouse locations: 2 Elm Street in Great Barrington and in Housatonic. ExtraSpecialTeas supports, trains, and empowers young adults with diverse learning differences, such as autism, Down syndrome and sight/hearing impairment, to learn, work, be part of a community, and thrive in the Berkshires.
To quote some veteran ExtraSpecialTeas (EST) Servers,
“EST gives me a sense of purpose in my community. We all feel like a family in our organization. We all share our own strengths as a group.” – Al
“EST can launch anyone regardless of their abilities to new heights.” — Brie
“EST gives me purpose, guidance and kindness” — Patrick
Originally, EST was created to provide vocational services to those with special needs aged 22 and over. However, in 2022, EST also began offering services to local high schools to provide transition training to students ages 17-21 years of age, so they are ready to join the working world when public education is no longer an option. ExtraSpecialTeas offers opportunities for all participants to cultivate community and provides a place to grow essential skills and find purpose in a work setting.
April 1st is World Autism Awareness Day and April is Autism Awareness Month, so it’s the perfect time for a spring celebration! The Blue Party (blue is for autism awareness, understanding and acceptance) will run from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm on Saturday, April 18 at 226 Pleasant Street in Housatonic, MA. All community members are invited to wear blue, post party pictures to their social media (tag @extraspecialteas #lightitupblue #brewbelonging) and come into the teahouse to sample an “ExtraSpecial” brew of our signature blue tea named “Blue Skies,” and sample gluten-free brownie bites made by ExtraSpecial Servers and staff. Hot, iced and bubble teas are always available for purchase!
The day’s schedule includes face painting, live music (Berkshire Bateria at 2), and dancing!
ExtraSpecialTeas is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Our vocational day program is supported in part by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services, grants from foundations, and contributions from committed donors.
Both community teahouses are open Monday-Friday from 10-4 p.m. each week and serve hot, iced and bubble teas and gluten-free treats made by the participants and staff at our commercial kitchen in Housatonic. ExtraSpecialTeas Housatonic is now serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea (through our vocational food prep program). For more information, check out our website at: www.extraspecialteas.org. Contact Cherri Sanes at (413) 429-6500 with questions. Follow ExtraSpecialTeas on Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky: @extraspecialteas
CALENDAR LISTING
Event: ExtraSpecialTeas Blue Birthday Party
What: Community party celebrating ExtraSpecialTeas 10th Birthday
Where: ExtraSpecialTeas, 226 Pleasant Street, Housatonic, MA, indoors and outdoors
When: Saturday, April 18, 2026, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Activity: Signature Blue Skies tea tasting, gluten-free treats, face painting, music, including Berkshire Bateria at 2:00 pm. Wear blue!
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