State of Mind Cafe will be the first and only coffee shop in Santa Barbara designed specifically for the disability community. It will also be an arts and culture hub where local artists of all abilities can showcase their art, perform, and host events free of charge.
All proceeds from the cafe will be donated to organizations that champion providing equitable access to resources, essential services, and support for our community.
In collaboration with other non-profits, the cafe will provide learning opportunities in the areas of Sara Miller McCune's "Four Justices": Economic, Educational, Environmental, and Social Justice.
State of Mind Cafe will fill a vital gap in Santa Barbara by creating a space that does not currently exist—an accessible, welcoming venue where people of all abilities can gather, create, and connect. The Cafe will provide both financial sustainability for our nonprofit community, and a visible, everyday reminder of our mission: to promote equity and inclusion. It will also be a model for other nonprofits that are looking for ways to generate income rather than relying directly on donors.
This project will have a transformative impact on the people we serve. The Cafe is expected to employ individuals with disabilities, providing meaningful job opportunities that empower them with income, independence, and a sense of belonging in the broader community. Beyond employment, the Cafe will serve as a safe, vibrant, and accessible social hub where participants can engage in arts activities, enjoy cultural events, and build lasting relationships. We anticipate that thousands of community members, including people with disabilities, their families, and visitors, will benefit from the Cafe annually.
By blending workforce development, artistic engagement, and community revitalization, State of Mind Cafe will create ripples of positive impact, enriching the lives of people with disabilities and their families, and reinvigorating downtown Santa Barbara with a one-of-a-kind cultural anchor. This project is not just about opening a Cafe—it is about shifting perceptions, building bridges, and creating a lasting legacy of inclusion that other communities can replicate.
meet Our Team!
Rebecca Benozare
founder and executive director
Rebecca started working with the Santa Barbara community over a decade ago as program director for the leni fe bland performing arts partnership. through her work providing equitable access to arts experiences for Santa Barbara unified students. Rebecca learned about the inequities that exist in our community and decided to see how she could help. she has partnered with countless local organizatioNS TO HELP Create pathways to success for our students and community members.
state of mind is her third project focused on serving marginalized communities, and a culmination of her findings and connections with partner organizations in Santa Barbara. Rebecca is passionate about equity, inclusion and diversity.
you can find Rebecca hanging out with her two young children, at yoga or in Marshall’s.
Katelyn tymon
Project manager and general manager
Katelyn was born and raised in Santa Barbara and has spent nearly a decade managing coffee shops, building more than just teams — she’s helped create spaces where people feel comfortable, connected and inspired. over the years, she’s developed a deep love for the rhythm of a cafe: the early mornings, the regulars, the energy of a busy rush, and the small moments that turn into meaningful connections.
katelyn has recently stepped into the world of nonprofit work, a new space for her, but one that deeply aligns with her values. While she grows and learns in the field, she brings years of hands-on experience in building inclusive, supportive environments and turning vision into reality.
outside of her work, you can find katelyn running on the ellwood bluffs, hanging out with her niece and going to the movie theatre on discount Tuesdays.