bransonglobe.com LOCAL Cedar Creek offers much more than coffee When an individual is By K.D. Michaels, Branson Globe Staff Writer The sign on the face of the older building on Branson’s Animal Safari Road reads Cedar Creek Coffee, but beyond the doors you’ll find so much more. While Cedar Creek Coffee, does roast delicious blends of many specialty coffees, the building is also home to New Hope Development, an employment service geared towards some of our area’s most special citizens. What began as two group homes and eight clients with learning disabilities and other special needs has become one of Branson’s most unique services -- and the fulfillment of a dream for Director Raeanne Zurn, who has been with Cedar Creek Coffee for 14 years. “Our owner is just the kind of employer that wants to help you reach your personal goals,” explained Zurn. “One of my dreams was to have an employment program. so, we bought a building. It was our owner’s idea to do the coffee, and at the time, I didn’t know anything about coffee, so we did a lot of learning.” Zurn and her employer attended trade shows, workshops and classes, and watched a lot of YouTube videos, then bought a roaster and in 2012, they began roasting their own coffee, which they packaged and sold on their website. The dream and vision also included having their own coffee shop, but with only eight clients, they knew that dream would have to wait. Zurn and her crew spent their time perfecting their coffee. “We have a wonderful blend of coffee we use as a house coffee,” Zurn said. “It is a mixture of Colombian, Brazilian and Ethiopian coffee, so it is a delicious blend of coffee that we have been able to create.” The time was also spent finding new clients, and honing their skills. New Hope Development now provides service to 25 individuals. Clients are referred to them through Linkability, who provides Case Management services to those with special needs in Taney and Stone Counties. seeking employment or job training, they are referred to Zurn and New Hope Development. The staff of New Hope Development helps the clients gain independence, integrates them into the community and works with clients on career planning and pre-vocational skills. Zurn explained, “We talk to them about what their goals are, and what kind of job they want. With the tourist industry here, we try to fill some of those housekeeping jobs and other jobs that are hard to fill in our community.” SEE COFFEE, PAGE 14 July 24 - 25, 2020 • 3 Pets of the Week Tri-Lakes Humane Society, Reeds Spring Call (417) 272-8113 or visit www.tri-lakeshumanesoc.org SNOWBALL is a 3 year old male. He is a well behaved cat and likes being petted. Snowball has FIV, which can be transmitted to other cats so he needs to be an only indoor cat or in a household that has other cats with FIV. Come meet this guy, he deserves a forever home. Lindsey serving a customer at the new Cedar Creek Coffee and Creations. (Branson Globe photo by K.D. Michaels) RAMONA is a 5 year old female Staffordshire Terrier. She was taken by the police but this gentle girl is no criminal. She is house trained and loves to go on walks and rides well in a truck. She warms up to new people quickly and is very laid back. She just needs a forever home where she will be loved.
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