A community of all abilities: Special events at Coffee Creations

“No matter who you are, what race you are, how old you are or whether you have a disability or not, you have great value and something to offer this world to make it a better place.” 

That phrase stands prominently on the website of Coffee Creations, a Branson nonprofit whose mission is to promote inclusivity by empowering individuals with disabilities to enter the workplace.

Finding employment can be a challenge for these individuals, as some do need special accommodations in order to be productive. On the other hand, though, many Branson area employers struggle to find and keep good employees for seasonal or service jobs. Coffee Creations helps connect those needs for mutual benefit by helping those with disabilities to prepare for the workplace, setting them up for better lives in the future. Much of that valuable training takes place at Cedar Creek Coffee and Coffee Creations Café, offering specialty locally-roasted coffees, hand-crafted coffee drinks and specialty food items. 

Coming up soon are some opportunities to contribute to this amazing mission by attending some special events: 

On Saturday, October 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., join Coffee Creations for their Sixth Annual Sporting Clays shoot, with this year’s goal being to add accessible automatic doors to the Coffee Creations building. The $100 entry fee includes 100 clays, lunch, an event T-shirt and the opportunity to compete for awards and raffle prizes. Call the host venue, Ozark Shooters, at 417-443-3093 to register; for additional information, call 417-343-9847 or email Drew.M@lifehomes.net. 

The community is also invited to a special inclusion event, “A Community of All Abilities,” co-hosted by Coffee Creations, Empower: Abilities, and one of Coffee Creations’ very special clients, Keegan. Keegan, whom many community leaders will know from area Chamber of Commerce meetings and nonprofit benefit events, is an incredible self-advocate who works hard to champion inclusivity.  

This special event will be held on Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Coffee Creations, 433 Animal Safari Rd. in Branson, and will feature guest speakers, live music, art displays and games, along with showcasing several talented Coffee Creations individuals, offering discounts on food and coffee and much more. Along with facility tours, networking and meeting some potential great employees, business owners and managers will be able to visit informational booths regarding new technology, designed to make businesses more accessible, and learn how implementing these tools can enhance revenue by allowing a business to reach and serve new customers within the disability community. 

The goal of “A Community of All Abilities” is to promote inclusion and accessibility by shifting perspectives from focusing on limitations to focusing on abilities. This is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses, community leaders and residents to connect and support an accessible future for the Branson and Southwest Missouri area, so mark your calendar and plan to attend on October 24. You’ll be glad you did!  

For more information about the inclusivity event, contact Dana Pufall, Manager of Employment Services at 417-598-0228; visit the website, https://coffeecreationscafe.org/, or visit the Coffee Creations page on Facebook. And if you haven’t tried Coffee Creations for a tasty lunch and a great coffee drink, check it out Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.