Wild Bill’s Coffee shop reopens better than ever

After being in hiatus since May to renovate its amenities, Wild' Bill's Coffee shop is up and running.

Named after Bill Sackter, a mentally challenged man who ran the shop from 1975 until his death in 1983, the venue acts as a service learning project for the University of Iowa School of Social Work.

To reminisce on what's been deemed an inspirational story by many, the reopening will be commemorated Thursday at 4 p.m. in at Wild Bill's Coffee Shop, on the UI campus's North Hall in room 321.

Tom Walz, a UI professor emeritus of social work - who started the Extend The Dream Foundation, encompassing four other businesses run by people with disabilities - said having Sackter's legacy resonate for over 35 years is inspirational in itself.

“One of the things it does is keep his story alive,” Walz said. “Bill had kind of become a metaphor of exemplary personality of kindness.”

Sackter's story, one that was made into an award-winning documentary titled “A Friend Indeed,” stems from his heart-wrenching past where he was forced to spend nearly a half century locked up in an institution before spending the last eight years of his life in Iowa City.

“He represents such a powerful force in change and appreciation that disability is really another form of ability,” Walz said.

Now with a fresh coat of paint, a new kitchen, hot foods, and a larger variety of snacks, the hope is that the shop to continues as an outlet to educate people about people with disabilities while offering a welcoming feel in a vintage hangout spot.

Jefri Palermo, the development coordinator who oversees the management of Wild Bill's Coffee shop, said people who haven't been exposed to people with disabilities often shy away simply because they feel uncomfortable.

“(Wild Bill's) breaks down those barriers,” she said.

Ed Saunders, Director of The UI School of Social Work, said the presence of Sackter's life that lives on through the shop bestows a powerful message.

“You learn to appreciate the spirit of resilience, despite their disability,” he said. “You learn that everybody has strengths.”