Our mission is to provide a supported work place which ensures individuals of all abilities the opportunity to work side-by-side within a community job setting. This inclusive employment setting will help fill gaps in adult services and enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities by developing social, vocational and educational connections to the community.

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities will have access to meaningful employment with appropriate support, a connection to the community, and a sense of purpose and belonging.

Rae’s Café is OPEN! Breakfast and lunch items are available all day.
We operate out of the concession area in the
Edwardsville YMCA Meyer Center.
*You do NOT need to be a member of the YMCA to patron Rae’s Café.*

HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday – Friday, 7AM-1PM

(618) 484-6114

7348 Goshen Road
Edwardsville, IL 62025

EDWARDSVILLE — Rae’s Café is open for business, and Susan Converse couldn’t be prouder. Converse was a special education teacher and administrator in District 7 for 27 years, including the last four years at Edwardsville High School…

EDWARDSVILLE — For many young adults with disabilities, finding a job after aging out of the school system can be a frustrating and nearly impossible task. Through a new nonprofit, Redefining Independence, Susan Converse is hoping to change that…

PAGE 8 – Established just one year ago, in March 2023, Redefining Independence NFP has been rolling our an important mission every day since: To provide a supported workplace and ensure individuals of all abilities can work side-by-side in a community job setting…

AUGUST 2024 ISSUE #1 – Dear Supporters of Redefining Independence and Rae’s Café, We are thrilled to share with you the exciting progress we’ve made on our journey towards creating a community-focused and inclusive environment at Rae’s Café! We are excited to share…

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© 2024 Redefining Independence is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN: 92-3729132