DJ Rush is one of the newest baristas at Kindness Cafe + Play, where he serves up perfectly brewed beverages and delicious eats. The mission-driven coffee shop provides meaningful employment for adults with cognitive disabilities, and features items from many local businesses, including Found.Market, Allens Scottish Shortbread, Grit Coffee, and Innisfree Village (hello, granola bars). Kindness offers indoor and outdoor seating and a drive-thru—just order ahead and the baristas will place your items outside for you to grab. The coffee shop counts many UVA student-athletes and coaches among its regular visitors, and its baristas have served drinks to Howie Long and Dave Matthews. Visit Kindness, located inside Brooks Family YMCA, Monday through Friday from 3 to 7pm, and you might catch DJ behind the bar. kindnesscafecville.com
Name: DJ Rush.
Age: 43.
Pronouns: He/him.
Hometown: Nelson County.
Where do you live now: In a group home near Lovingston.
Job: Barista at Kindness Cafe.
How long have you been working at your current job: About three months.
Favorite part of your job: Serving drinks to customers.
What’s your favorite drink to make at work: Protein shake.
Who is your hero: Myself.
Proudest accomplishment: I survived colon cancer. I had chemo and surgery, and now I’m cancer-free.
Describe a perfect day: Spring day with sun. I’d hang out with friends. I’d go to work at Kindness. I’d relax and listen to music before bed.
What is your favorite thing about yourself: I’m a hardworking person and am ready to learn every day.
What’s something about yourself that people would be surprised to learn: I’m the oldest of six boys.
If you had three wishes, what would you wish for: One day I’d get a certificate diploma. One day I’d get a driver’s license. I’d get better and better at art.
What’s your favorite drink: Chocolate protein shake from Kindness Cafe!
Favorite food: Lasagna.
Favorite restaurant: Bistro 151 in Nelson County.
Favorite movie and TV show: Ghostbusters and “The Wonder Years.”
What music have you been listening to lately: I like R&B, country, and instrumental music.
Favorite word: Thank you! I say, “Thank you,” to people a lot!
Who’s your favorite actor: Robin Williams from Mrs. Doubtfire.
Celebrity crush: Rachael Ray.
Most used app on your phone: I mostly use my phone to talk.
Last text you sent: I don’t usually text because I prefer to talk. I usually call my brother in Atlanta.
Most used emoji: Just the smile.
Best journey you ever went on: When I was a kid my family went with a church group to see a gospel concert in South Carolina.
Next journey: I’m going to Norfolk with my friends from the group home.