Meet the Joyrista: Cory Dillon
For Joyrista Cory Dillon, it’s not all about serving up happiness and liquid motivation in a cup; it’s about bringing the community together in new ways with coffee as an added bonus.
If you’ve visited the playground of possibilities in Watkinsville, chances are you’ve seen the ESP Snack Stand right across the sidewalk and you’ve probably seen Cory Dillon working the front window with a smile.
Five years ago, Athens native Cory started going to ESP summer camp and family dinners to get plugged into the community. Now, Cory Dillon, known as “CD”, serves as a Java Joy employee, making sure the community has their fill of coffee and hugs.
“Make coffee. Greet people. Give hugs. Be personable,” said Cory Dillon. “Make sure every customer gets the full Java Joy experience. Pretty simple,” says Cory Dillon.
Although he is an employee of Java Joy, Cory still gets to enjoy the events ESP has to offer, such as Bulldogs and Buddies where members of ESP get to watch a Georgia Football practice with a meet and greet after. The ESP community always looks forward to this event, especially Cory, because he gets to “meet the players and every year I meet a player I haven’t met yet.”
When Cory isn’t in his apron making coffee, he’s in the kitchen cooking Italian food, dreaming of traveling to London, or sitting at Loco’s Grill for a good burger.
One piece of advice he carries with him throughout his work at Java Joy is, “Always be prepared because you never know what is going to happen.” Whether he’s working at the Snack Stand, serving customers at Bulldog KIA, or providing coffee at special events, this mindset has become the foundation of every role he takes on. It reminds him to stay adaptable, ready to meet new challenges, and intentional in every interaction.
The feeling ESP gives Cory is one that other members relate to all too well:
“I can’t help but break a smile every time I make that turn at the playground; it’s ESP! This is my home away from home. I’ll never stop doing this.”
About Java Joy
Java Joy is a community-changing program of ESP (Extra Special People, Inc.), created to spread unmatched joy through meaningful moments of connection. Operated by individuals with disabilities – our Joyristas – Java Joy travels to businesses, events, and gatherings, serving coffee and unforgettable smiles. It’s not about what we serve. It’s how we make people feel. Today, Java Joy employs over 80 Joyristas across four Georgia communities in Athens, Rome, Atlanta, Savannah, in addition to a newly launched community in High Point, North Carolina.
