MIDDLEBURY — Middlebury’s newest coffee house is brewing up something special.

ADEC Inc. recently opened Gaining Grounds at its adult day services building where clients with developmental disabilities are getting hands-on training for jobs in the food service field. The full-service coffee shop opened with the help of a $20,000 grant from the Elkhart County Community Foundation, which paid for equipment and renovations.

“We thought it was a wonderful opportunity to expand our services in Middlebury and to invite the community in to get to know us,” said Kathy Tony, director of ADEC’s Adult Habilitation Services.

Ida Weaver-Lengyel, an experienced barista, is helping out behind the counter, training ADEC clients on how to use the coffee shop’s equipment and prepare food.

“I’m excited to see what can happen with this, being part of ADEC,” she said. “I think it’s an awesome opportunity.”

The menu features freshly roasted coffee from The Refinery in Goshen, chai tea, fruit smoothies and baked goods, including Rise n’ Roll cinnamon rolls and Maple City cheesecake.

The cafe is ADEC’s second coffee shop. The first Gaining Grounds location opened in 2009 on Lincoln Avenue in Goshen.

“It was initiated as a way for the public to interact with ADEC and our clients,” said Middlebury Adult Day Services manager Tena Bowser. “We’ve been completely pleased with results we have there.”

The new coffee shop is located at 801 Wayne St. in Middlebury. The store is open from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.