<\/p>\n
PITTSTON \u2013 When Coffee Inclusive opened its doors in Pittston in March 2023, it introduced the community to something more than another place to grab a cup of coffee.<\/p>\n
Located at 350 Kennedy Blvd. in the Waterfront Warehouse, the coffee shop was created by PA Inclusive, formerly NEPA Inclusive, with a mission of providing meaningful employment and training opportunities for people with diverse abilities, including individuals with autism and Down syndrome.<\/p>\n
The idea originated with PA Inclusive President and CEO Frank Bartoli, who had dreamed for years of creating a coffee shop where individuals with disabilities could work alongside experienced baristas and servers.<\/p>\n
After searching for the right location, the former smoothie-bar space next to the organization\u2019s offices proved to be the perfect fit.<\/p>\n
From the beginning, Coffee Inclusive was designed to be a true community coffee shop. Employees receive training just as they would in any other workplace and work in positions ranging from preparing beverages to serving customers and handling other day-to-day responsibilities.<\/p>\n
Coffee Inclusive offers regular and decaffeinated drip coffee, espresso, cappuccinos, lattes, Americanos, macchiatos and nitro cold brew.<\/p>\n
Customers can also choose from chai and matcha lattes, teas, hot chocolate, smoothies and acai bowls.<\/p>\n
When Coffee Inclusive opened, the Sunday Dispatch was on hand when dozens of customers lined up for coffee, tea, espresso drinks, smoothies and baked goods.<\/p>\n
By Sept. 2023, the business had expanded to a seven-day-a-week service because customers were asking for Sunday hours.<\/p>\n
You can get award-winning coffee daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.<\/p>\n
Perhaps the biggest development in the coffee story came earlier this year with the introduction of Inclusive Grounds Coffee Company.<\/p>\n
PA Inclusive began roasting its own medium- and dark-roast coffee, initially selling the bags at Coffee Inclusive. The organization plans to eventually make the coffee available to other coffee shops, restaurants and customers online.<\/p>\n
The caf\u00e9 has also become a gathering place for the Greater Pittston community. Its space has been used for educational programs, fundraisers, cooking classes and other activities designed to bring people together.<\/p>\n
Today, Coffee Inclusive is approaching its fourth year as a Pittston business and is now adding a second location in Scranton at 526 Cedar Ave.<\/p>\n
One thing to remember when drinking Coffee Inclusive brew: it\u2019s not just a cup of coffee; it represents an opportunity for employment, independence, friendship, training and inclusion.<\/p>\n
In Pittston, Coffee Inclusive has demonstrated that sometimes a cup of coffee can do considerably more than wake someone up. It can help change a life.<\/p>\n
For more information on Coffee Inclusive in Pittston or Scranton, call 570-299-5273.<\/p>\n
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