Meet Mallory Crooks of Georgette’s

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mallory Crooks

Hi Mallory, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Georgette Engler was a mother, a visionary, a caregiver and a strong-willed woman. She and her husband, Roy, raised five children with developmental disabilities at a time when others often institutionalized those who were different.

In 1950, the Maumee couple founded Sunshine Children’s Home to help other families care for their children with disabilities and to help “bring a little bit of sunshine” into the lives of these children through loving care in a clean, home-like setting.

Today, now called Sunshine Communities, we support people with developmental disabilities in their everyday life, along with vocational, clinical, therapeutic, recreational and other services to 250 people and their families in Northwest Ohio. Learn more about Sunshine here.

Georgette’s offers supported employment to workers with developmental disabilities in its kitchen, café and coffee-packaging areas right down the road.

Our goal is to provide opportunities and meaningful income for people with disabilities locally as well as farmers and artisans around the world. Your cup today not only tastes delicious, it helps ensure we continue to build opportunities for those with developmental disabilities. So please, let this coffee warm your heart. You’ve warmed ours.

Georgette’s mission is to offer fresh and unique coffees, foods and gifts in a warm and welcoming setting that respects the environment and the dignity of all people.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Opening any restaurant comes with its unique challenges, but at the heart of everything we do is our commitment to supported employment. For 20 years, we’ve proudly integrated individuals with developmental disabilities into our workforce. Their contributions are invaluable, from running food and prepping meals to cleaning tables, greeting guests, and more.

This milestone anniversary also follows Sunshine Communities’ 75th anniversary last year, where we were honored to be part of the festivities, raising awareness of our mission and expanding our reach.

In addition to our in-house dining experience, we offer grab-and-go platters for local events, delectable desserts, and a line of wholesale coffee available in local grocery stores.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In Uptown Maumee, we stand out by serving more than just food—we serve purpose. From greenhouse-grown vegetables cultivated by individuals with disabilities at Sunshine Communities to locally roasted coffee measured and packed with care, everything we create supports meaningful work.

Our café walls showcase local artists, and our team thrives on building connections with both regulars and new guests alike.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.georgettes.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgettesmaumee/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyGeorgettes/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sunshine/?viewAsMember=true
• Other: https://www.sunshine.org/