PITTSTON, LUZERNE CO. (WOLF) \u2014 It\u2019s the season of giving and one Pittston bakery and coffee shop is giving inclusive opportunities to those with different abilities. <\/p>\n
Coffee Inclusive is a non-profit committed to creating inclusive and sustainable lives for people with disabilities, and this weekend they\u2019re hosting their first Thanksgiving sale.<\/p>\n
As families finalize Thanksgiving preparations, Coffee Inclusive bakers like Ellie Bartoli, scoop, mix and press baked goods ahead of a weekend-long sale.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are currently making brownie cakes for Small Business Saturday,” she said. <\/p>\n
Also in the oven are a variety of pies, cookies and pumpkin roles, made from scratch by the Coffee Inclusive Staff, including manager Bianca Lupio.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur motto here is changing lives with every cup. That is very true. We are giving people with intellectual disabilities a change to earn a fair wage,\u201d Lupio said. <\/p>\n
Lupio says the employees at Coffee Inclusive have a range of diverse abilities, and endless potential for their future. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhether it\u2019s a baking job, cooking job or even being a barista, we give them the skills they will need to be successful,\u201d Lupio said. <\/p>\n
Head baker Brian Boston would agree, with his sights set on owning his own business.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt helps pay people who are local and have disabilities, like myself. I don\u2019t look disabled but you don\u2019t need to look disabled to be disabled,\u201d said Boston. <\/p>\n
Along with 20% off all drinks and baked goods this weekend, each latte, cookie and brownie is served with a smile, but that\u2019s not just limited to the Friday through Sunday sale.<\/p>\n
\u201cVery very nice and friendly. It\u2019s a friendly environment where everyone is welcome,\u201d said Bartoli. <\/p>\n