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
Over the years, Rebecca has had the privilege of working alongside Santa Barbara's philanthropic community—supporting nonprofits, building partnerships, and seeing how meaningful change happens.
Then she spent time with members of the disability community, and something shifted. she saw extraordinary creativity, talent, and perspective, alongside a simple truth: too few everyday spaces are designed for full participation, connection, and belonging.
Santa Barbara has incredible organizations leading this work. What she saw was an opportunity to complement their impact by creating a welcoming place where inclusion is part of everyday life. That's how State of Mind Cafe began.
she didn't set out to build something for the community. she set out to build it with them. Their voices and leadership have shaped this cafe from the beginning and will continue to guide its future.
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.
Katelyn tymon
meet Our board committee!
Elke Kane
associate attorney
Elke is an attorney at Trusted Legal, APLC where her work spans employment law, business and contract matters, estate planning, and nonprofit governance and compliance.
Her board experience includes previous service on the Santa Barbara Education Foundation board, as well as her current role as an elected trustee of the Cold Spring School Board and active involvement in the Laguna Blanca school community and Family Association.
A UCSB graduate, Elke has called Santa Barbara home since 2000. Long before law school, she worked as a pastry chef and small business owner, creating wedding and specialty cakes and giving her a soft spot for good coffee and community gathering spaces. She’s excited to serve on the State of Mind Cafe board because she believes strongly in building accessible, welcoming spaces that give back to the community, and is glad to lend her legal and governance experience to support its mission.