Greenwich Celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month

GREENWICH, CT — Greenwich on Tuesday celebrated National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) at one of its true town gems — Coffee For Good.

First Selectman Fred Camillo issued a proclamation for the month, and he encouraged all residents to support efforts to increase employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and recognize and support organizations like Coffee for Good that are leading the way in empowering community members.

NDEAM was created to recognize the contributions of individuals with disabilities to the workplace and to promote practices that support their full inclusion in the workforce.

"Individuals with disabilities represent a vital and untapped talent pool, offering unique perspectives, skills and abilities that enhance the productivity, creativity and diversity of our community's workforce," Camillo said in his proclamation. "Through continued partnerships and efforts, we can advance the mission of NDEAM and build a more inclusive society where individuals with disabilities have equal access to employment opportunities and the support needed to thrive in the workplace."

Coffee For Good, located at 48 Maple Ave. inside the Mead House just steps away from the Second Congregational Church, is a nonprofit, high-end coffee shop that aims to provide job training in a real-life setting to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The business opened in 2021.

The hope is that trainees who work at the coffee shop develop technical and professional skills so they can find competitive employment opportunities elsewhere in the community.

Each trainee works a three-hour shift, three days a week. After a six to 12-month period, trainees graduate and can then transfer newly developed skills elsewhere to other cafes or hospitality and retail jobs.

Trainees have found jobs at the Bruce Museum, YWCA, YMCA and Gregory's Coffee, to name a few. Representatives from local employers were in attendance for Tuesday's ceremony, along with other town officials and members of the First Selectman's Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities

Coffee For Good has partnered with Abilis, another local nonprofit that provides services and support for people with disabilities. Abilis also runs concessions at Island Beach and cafes at Greenwich Library, Darien Library, Darien YMCA, and the Stamford courthouse.

Alan Gunzburg, a Greenwich resident and a longtime advocate for people with disabilities, serves as a co-leader of the Coffee for Good Inclusive Employer Team along with Helen Lobrano. The two help lead the effort in finding potential employers for graduates.

Gunzburg spoke briefly Tuesday about the importance of NDEAM and the benefits of having a job to go to every day.

"This month serves as a reminder of the vital contributions that individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce and the importance of building workplaces that embrace and support diversity," Gunzburg said.

"As we celebrate today, let’s not only reflect on the progress we’ve made but also look ahead to the work we must continue," Gunzburg added. "Employment provides more than just financial independence — it offers a sense of purpose and belonging. By fostering accessibility, equity, and opportunity for all, we strengthen our community and create a workforce that reflects the diverse strengths of everyone within it."

Deb Rogan, the executive director of Coffee For Good, told Patch the support from the community "means the world" to everyone involved with the nonprofit.

"They really make this thrive as a nonprofit and as a business. Without community, we wouldn't survive," she said.

Rogan also spoke highly of her employees.

"They're wonderful young adults," she said. "They're very capable and very enthusiastic."

For more information on Coffee For Good, click here.