Coffee Inclusive to Hold Job Fair for People with Diverse Abilities

(January 19, 2023, Pittston, PA) — Coffee Inclusive, a subsidiary of the non-profit organization NEPA Inclusive, will host a job fair for people with diverse abilities, including intellectual disabilities and Autism, on Saturday, January 28, from 10am to 2pm in the conference room of NEPA Inclusive. Attendees are asked to use the East Street entrance of the former Cooper’s Co Op Building, located at 22 East Street, Suite #3, Pittston for access to the event.

Members of the Coffee Inclusive team include, left to right: Frank Bartoli, CEO, NEPA Inclusive; Ellie Bartoli, a client and the inspiration behind NEPA Inclusive; Matt Krispin, administrative assistant, NEPA Inclusive; Julio Caprari, direct support professional and job coach, NEPA Inclusive; Robbie Lynch, client; and Tom Carlucci, training and quality assurance coordinator, NEPA Inclusive, and manager of Coffee Inclusive.

“We look forward to meeting members of the diverse abilities community who are interested in obtaining gainful employment. A community-based coffee shop is a place where we can employ them and pay them the same wage as anyone else working in a coffee shop as a barista or coffee shop attendant,” said Tom Carlucci, training and quality assurance coordinator, NEPA Inclusive, and manager of Coffee Inclusive.

Coffee Inclusive is a new community-based coffee shop in downtown Pittston, scheduled to open in early March. It will employ people with diverse abilities, including intellectual disabilities and Autism, working side by side with experienced baristas and servers. Coffee Inclusive will be open Monday through Saturday. Hours of operation will be announced soon.

“I’m very excited to launch Coffee Inclusive, a place where people with diverse abilities can showcase their skills and abilities in a real-world coffee shop,” said Frank Bartoli, CEO of NEPA Inclusive.

Coffee Inclusive is now accepting applications for part-time and full-time baristas/managers, servers and volunteers for the coffee shop.

Volunteers are needed to assist with job coaching duties. “We will train the right people to be a volunteer coach. We are looking for volunteers who want to make a difference, who have a desire to help people achieve their goals and have experience interacting with people with diverse abilities,” said Bartoli.

People interested in applying for employment or as a volunteer at Coffee Inclusive can apply through the NEPA Inclusive website, nepainclusive.org or through Indeed.com. For more information, contact Coffee Inclusive via email, info@coffeeinclusive.org.

Coffee Inclusive will offer a full line of high quality cold and hot coffees, lattes, espressos, mochas and cappuccinos along with a selection of locally sourced teas and the finest baked goods. In addition, Coffee Inclusive will also serve healthy fruit smoothies and acai bowls. Patrons can place their orders to go or enjoy their food and beverages at one of the many casual seating areas in and around the coffee shop.

NEPA Inclusive, founded in 2013 with headquarters in Pittston, is a 501c3 charitable organization. NEPA Inclusive operates in Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Northumberland, Pike, Schuylkill and Wyoming counties. It operates a series of services through the PA Office of Developmental Programs IDD waiver system and PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation employment services, in addition to Rental Assistance and SMART technology initiatives. NEPA Inclusive’s unique person-centered approach to inclusion provides people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and Autism the most inclusive life, including working in local businesses, living with their families, and living in their own apartments.

For more information on the services offered by NEPA Inclusive, visit their website, nepainclusive.org.