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Coffee Inclusive Opens Doors in Pittston

March 13, 2023

As seen on WNEP.

(March 13, 2023) PITTSTON, Pa. — Workers at Coffee Inclusive filled more than coffee cups at the grand opening celebration in Pittston on Monday. They filled the parking lot with supporters happy to welcome this coffee shop that employs experienced workers and those with diverse abilities.

“I couldn’t believe when I came here today that there was so much support; officials from the town, officials from the city and county,” said Bob Bartoli of Pittston. The local officials joined managers and workers for a ribbon cutting to mark the official opening after weeks of training.

“I learned how to grind stuff. I learned how to make smoothies, put it in the cups and stuff,” explained Meghan Donahue, a coffee attendant at the shop.

“Coffee, espressos, making juices, frozen juices,” added Christina Wesley, another attendant.

“Everybody came on board as friends and coworkers, and I think we’ve definitely moved already past that quickly with all the hard work, and now they are definitely a family,” said manager Tom Carlucci.

“It’s like a family. I really like them. They’re really, really nice. Yeah, he’s a nice guy,” added Meghan.

For many of the coffee attendants, this will be their first job. Others with more experience tell Newswatch 16 this will be their most rewarding job.

“It’s great, like I just walked into this, and suddenly there’s a cause. There is a bunch of community. There was a bunch of conversation about ability, and it feels like you’re a part of something bigger, and I signed up on Indeed, and it’s been very fulfilling,” said Ally McGee, an experienced barista. “I think it’s going to be great. Today was like our first rush, our first experience with, you know, more than ten people here, and it’s going really well. You know, people are really skilled at certain things, and we’re starting to get a feel for each other and seeing how we can thrive.”

You can learn more about Coffee Inclusive by clicking here.

Bake Inclusive Fundraising Campaign

Bake Inclusive Fundraising Campaign

Since its inception, Coffee Inclusive has exceeded our expectations, fostering an inclusive and empowering environment where individuals of diverse abilities work alongside experienced baristas to create delectable coffees, smoothies, and snacks. The success of Coffee Inclusive has inspired us to embark on an exciting new venture, a bakery, called Bake Inclusive.

Bake Inclusive was designed to build on the achievements of Coffee Inclusive by extending opportunities to even more individuals with diverse abilities. The bakery will help us expand NEPA Inclusive’s transitional employment training program for high school students, preparing them for successful careers beyond graduation. Our mission is to facilitate a seamless transition from high school to gainful employment for these young individuals, whether that be at the bakery or somewhere else. To ensure the grand opening of Bake Inclusive in March 2024, we have set an ambitious fundraising campaign goal of $150,000 in 150 Days. This funding will be allocated towards acquiring the necessary equipment and supplies essential for the bakery’s operations.

We hope you will consider making a donation to help us get Bake Inclusive up and running. Together, we can create a brighter and more inclusive future for all. Thank you!

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