PITTSTON, Pa. — Since March, Christina Wesley from Dupont has been working at Coffee Inclusive, a coffee shop in Pittston that trains and employs people with diverse abilities.
"It's fun. I wake up early in the morning. I get here at 7 o'clock and stay until 11 o'clock," explained Christina.
This coffee shop is part of an initiative by NEPA Inclusive.
"It's about helping people with disabilities live inclusive lives and work in real businesses in the community," said the nonprofit's CEO, Frank Bartoli.
Bartoli says the community's response to the inclusive business model at work here has been so great it's allowing for an expansion.
"The need is there. So, there's more people who want jobs. There's more people who want to be trained to find other jobs in a community. And there's more needs, so we're expanding to include a bakery," said Bartoli.
Bake Inclusive is slated to open in March of 2024 next to Coffee Inclusive inside Pittston's Waterfront Warehouse.
Folks like Matt Krispin, who have been through NEPA Inclusive's job training, are thrilled to see additions to the program.
"This is very exciting to be a part of, you know, it's something that's making a true impact both in this valley and this whole region. It's truly exceptional, and I am so happy to be a part of it, and I don't say that lightly," said Krispin.
The announcement of the expansion into a bakery included a fundraising campaign kick-off for the project.
If you want to learn how to support the efforts of this initiative at work, you can find out how on this website.
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