Avery’s Modern Teahouse officially opens in Loveland Yards

A nonprofit teahouse in east Loveland that aims to provide an inclusive space for people with disabilities to work a job and hone new skills has officially opened after months of work.

Avery’s Modern Teahouse welcomed in customers and cut a ribbon opening the store Monday afternoon to a crowd of supporters who enjoyed drinks and seeing the space.

“There were lots of happy tears today for sure,” said owner Kristen Bland, later adding “There’s not a lot of words.”

She said while there were a number of “hiccups” leading to opening day, the team worked hard and kept going to make sure that it was ready to welcome in customers.

Throughout the afternoon, a large crowd gathered in the teahouse with a line out the door as people mingled and learned about the space.

For those involved, the teahouse serves as a unique opportunity for people in the community with disabilities to learn and grow their skills.

Kimberly May’s son Clint Ahnstedt is one of the seven people with disabilities hired at the teahouse. May said the space is an important place and great for people with disabilities to come and work.

“I’m thankful they gave him the opportunity to get the job,” she said, later adding “It’s exciting.”

“It’s definitely very amazing,” said Nik Wyman, Ahnstedt’s job coach through Elevate 4:14.

Angie Miller, Northern Colorado All-Abilities Director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes who works with Ben Diaz, another of the store’s employees, said the teahouse offers the chance to learn new skills for those involved, something she said is incredible. She also said that Diaz had told her he was “pumped” to have his own first job.

“The ability to let individuals with disabilities be seen for their abilities and talents in our area is amazing,” she said.

Ahnstedt got to cut the pink ribbon at the door with a large pair of golden scissors, with the crowd cheering as he sliced through the fabric to open the store.

A nonprofit teahouse in east Loveland that aims to provide an inclusive space for people with disabilities to work a job and hone new skills has officially opened after months of work.

Avery’s Modern Teahouse welcomed in customers and cut a ribbon opening the store Monday afternoon to a crowd of supporters who enjoyed drinks and seeing the space.

“There were lots of happy tears today for sure,” said owner Kristen Bland, later adding “There’s not a lot of words.”

She said while there were a number of “hiccups” leading to opening day, the team worked hard and kept going to make sure that it was ready to welcome in customers.

Throughout the afternoon, a large crowd gathered in the teahouse with a line out the door as people mingled and learned about the space.

For those involved, the teahouse serves as a unique opportunity for people in the community with disabilities to learn and grow their skills.

Kimberly May’s son Clint Ahnstedt is one of the seven people with disabilities hired at the teahouse. May said the space is an important place and great for people with disabilities to come and work.

“I’m thankful they gave him the opportunity to get the job,” she said, later adding “It’s exciting.”

“It’s definitely very amazing,” said Nik Wyman, Ahnstedt’s job coach through Elevate 4:14.

Angie Miller, Northern Colorado All-Abilities Director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes who works with Ben Diaz, another of the store’s employees, said the teahouse offers the chance to learn new skills for those involved, something she said is incredible. She also said that Diaz had told her he was “pumped” to have his own first job.

“The ability to let individuals with disabilities be seen for their abilities and talents in our area is amazing,” she said.

Ahnstedt got to cut the pink ribbon at the door with a large pair of golden scissors, with the crowd cheering as he sliced through the fabric to open the store.