05/30/2026
MEET THE CO-FOUNDERS OF JAKE’S JAVA
Behind every dream is a story.
Jake’s Java was founded by Dr. Kathy Mercier and Dr. Jennifer Slater-Sanchez, two longtime educators, advocates, and Antelope Valley residents who believe everyone deserves the opportunity to work, contribute, and belong.
For decades, Kathy has dedicated her career to helping students develop the skills they need to successfully transition into adulthood, employment, and independent living. She has spent her professional life creating pathways for young adults to gain confidence, purpose, and real-world workforce experience.
Jennifer’s passion for Jake’s Java is deeply personal. As the parent of twins, including a son with autism, she has spent years thinking about what happens when school services end and how adults with disabilities can find meaningful employment, independence, and community.
Together, Kathy and Jennifer have seen firsthand the challenges many adults with disabilities face after age 22, when opportunities often become limited and families are left searching for answers.
Rather than accepting the status quo, they decided to create something different.
Jake’s Java is more than a coffee shop. It is a vision for meaningful employment, inclusion, independence, and community connection. It is a place where adults with and without disabilities can work side-by-side, build relationships, and thrive.
But Antelope Valley, WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Kathy and Jennifer are investing their own money into Jake’s Java because they believe in this mission wholeheartedly. But bringing this vision to life will take more than two people—it will take a community that believes in creating opportunities for everyone.
This is our way of giving back to the Antelope Valley, the community we have proudly called home for decades.
If you’d like to be part of the solution and help create meaningful employment opportunities for adults with disabilities, we’d love your support. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590211656884
