Paper Planes Café Celebrates Its Second Anniversary At YVR

It all began two years ago with a single oat milk latte ordered by Tamara Vrooman, the President and CEO of YVR. Since then, Paper Planes Café has served over 50,000 coffees, each one a story of growth, opportunity, and meaningful inclusion.

Because from day one, Paper Planes Café was never just about coffee, it was about creating a space where Autistic and otherwise neurodivergent individuals could gain meaningful, paid employment experience in a supportive environment.

“The trainers are skilled at guiding and teaching each trainee tailored to their individual needs,” said Matthew Nakagawa, a current trainee at Paper Planes.

“Not only does one learn café-related tasks, but, through osmosis, useful skills that can be beneficial in other areas of life.”

The experience has been “challenging in a good way, rewarding, and exciting,” Nakagawa said, with some of his favourite moments coming from friendly interaction with friends and coworkers.

Sayana Fawkes, Employment Placement Manager with Pacific Autism Family Network, has had the opportunity to witness 45 trainees follow a similar journey to Matthew’s.

“It is such a unique program where hands-on training and paid employment is provided to support people in learning skills and gaining confidence in being able to work,” explained Fawkes.

Since Paper Planes Café opened, 33 trainees have graduated from the program, and 23 have gone on to find meaningful employment. Many others pursued further education or found volunteer positions.

“We meet our community where they are at, and I have seen so many trainees flourish and really see for themselves what they are capable of accomplishing,” Fawkes said.

Beyond the trainees, the Café’s welcoming atmosphere has captured the hearts of customers. Amélie Bouvier-Bouchard, a regular at Paper Planes, compares it to a small-town coffee shop tucked into a bustling airport.

“What really makes it special is the staff. Even if you’re just grabbing a quick cup, they’re genuinely kind and make the whole experience feel warm and welcoming,” she said.

Bouvier-Bouchard is also inspired by the Café’s deeper mission.

“Everyone deserves the chance to do meaningful work if they want to, and it’s beautiful to see a space that gives neurodivergent folks that opportunity,” she said.

As Paper Planes Café celebrates its second anniversary on October 30, it stands as proof that inclusion and opportunity can thrive anywhere, even in the middle of one of Canada’s busiest airports.