Coffee Inclusive, a program of the nonprofit PA Inclusive, will open a new location in September at United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s CEDAR Center at 526 Cedar Ave. in South Scranton.
Based in Pittston, PA Inclusive provides support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The new coffee shop in Scranton will create meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities while offering specialty coffee, baked goods, sandwiches and more to the public, UNCNEPA said in an announcement.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to inclusion, community and neighborhood revitalization. Coffee Inclusive employs individuals with diverse abilities and autism who work alongside experienced baristas and servers in a supportive environment.
“We are thrilled to welcome Coffee Inclusive to the CEDAR Center and to support the expansion of their important work,” UNC President/CEO Lisa Durkin said. “This partnership reflects the kind of community-centered collaboration that strengthens our neighborhood, creates opportunities and brings people together.”
The CEDAR Center, in a rehabilitated former bank building, serves as a community anchor for programs and neighborhood activity, including adult education, English language learning, career readiness, multicultural wellness programming and the year-round South Side Farmers Market on Saturdays.
Coffee Inclusive will serve as a welcoming spot where neighbors, program participants and visitors can connect.
“Expanding Coffee Inclusive to the UNC CEDAR Center in Scranton is an exciting step forward in creating more meaningful employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities while bringing our message of inclusion, ability and community to more people throughout Lackawanna County,” said Frank Bartoli, president and CEO of PA Inclusive and Coffee Inclusive. “Every cup served will help demonstrate that people of all abilities can contribute, succeed and thrive in the workplace.”
A banner with the word “Welcome” in various languages is displayed on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at the United Neighborhood Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s CEDAR Center at 526 Cedar Ave. in South Scranton. (JIM LOCKWOOD / STAFF PHOTO)
Part of the interior of United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s newly renovated CEDAR Center at 526 Cedar Ave. in South Scranton on Thursday, July 10, 2025. The building formerly was a bank with a cavernous interior. (JIM LOCKWOOD / STAFF PHOTO)
United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s president and CEO Lisa Durkin spoke during the ribbon cutting for UNC’s new CEDAR Center in South Scranton on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s CEDAR Center at 526 Cedar Ave. in South Scranton on Thursday, July 10, 2025. The CEDAR in the title of the community center stands for “Community, Education, Development and Revitalization.” The building formerly was a bank with a cavernous interior that has had two floors constructed inside for offices and rooms. (JIM LOCKWOOD / STAFF PHOTO)
United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s CEDAR Center at 526 Cedar Ave. in South Scranton on Thursday, July 10, 2025. The CEDAR in the title of the community center stands for “Community, Education, Development and Revitalization.” The building formerly was a bank with a cavernous interior that has had two floors constructed inside for offices and rooms. (JIM LOCKWOOD / STAFF PHOTO)
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A banner with the word “Welcome” in various languages is displayed on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at the United Neighborhood Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s CEDAR Center at 526 Cedar Ave. in South Scranton. (JIM LOCKWOOD / STAFF PHOTO)