Creating Opportunities for Persons with Special Needs
WorkAbility Welcomes You
Make a Difference Today
Give Local!
Our biggest project yet is our dream to open a coffee shop
in Downtown Chester which will employ adults with special needs. In 2018, we
were donated a large building in downtown Chester. After years of trying to
find an investor to help us renovate the building, we now have a contract with
Shaw Kuester from Fort Mill. Within 10 months, he is going to renovate a 1600
square foot space in this building for our coffee shop. It will be located at
140 Gadsden St.
We are now in need of money to complete the interior of the
shop with equipment, furnishings, and enough money for start-up costs and
salaries for job coaches and a manager and our special needs workers. The shop
will be known as “Work-A-Latte” to emphasize the employability of our young adults.
Exciting News!
Read full articles HERE
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Who We Are
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A Bit of Background
In 2015, a group of parents of persons with special needs organized with the purpose of creating opportunities for all special needs person in Chester County. The group became WorkAbility. They became a non-profit and obtained a 501c3. In that short time, 3 Special Olympics teams in swimming, bocce ball, and basketball have been created. The group has sponsored 3 downtown festivals in April to proclaim Autism Awareness Month. They have held trainings for parents in subjects such as Medicaid waivers and special needs trusts. In our biggest endeavor yet, they are planning to open a coffee shop downtown where special needs individuals can work.
“Every man is guilty of all the good he did not do”
-Voltaire
Check out our recent video to HGTV.
What We Do
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The Flying Fish Swim Team
Bringing Home Silver and Gold
The first ever Special Olympic sport in Chester County was organized 3 years ago. The Flying Fish have competed at the state level and won Silver and Gold medals. The YMCA supports our swimmers. Coaches Karen Stevens, Sandy Jensen, and Jim Burke work hard with each swimmer to make them the best they can be.
Chester Christmas Parade
Sponsored by First Citizens
Being a part of the Chester Community is important. First Citizens Bank sponsors our float for the 2018 and 2019 Christmas parades.
Coffee Shop
Creating Jobs
Coming soon, Chester's new Coffee Shop in Downtown Chester. The shop will be located at 140 Gadsden Street. We are currently working with Myers and Chapman to renovate this space and it will be modeled after Second Street Sundries in Albemarle which hires special needs individuals.
Upcoming Events
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No events at the moment
Gala Sponsors
Gold Level Sponsor
SPRINGLAND, INC.
Gold Level Sponsor
Thank you to all of our sponsors from our 2022 Gala and the Gateway!
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Silver Level Sponsor
Silver Level Sponsor
Silver Level Sponsor
Silver Level Sponsor
Silver Level Sponsor
Bronze Level Sponsor
Sponsor Level Sponsor
Bronze Level Sponsor
Sponsor Level Sponsor
Friend Level Sponsors
Abby Reed
Allison Jean Howe
Budd Group
Chester Healthcare Foundation
Chris Gaddy State Farm Insurance
Christian Banks
Darren and Ashley Brittain
Dr. Sam Stone
Duke Energy
Gaston, Marion, & Stubbs Law Office
Grant Kovas
Great Falls Tax Service/Gladden Hudson Realty
Heidi Scharpenberg
Law Office of April Porter
Pilot Club International
Tyler Family
Contact Us
PO Box 346, Chester, SC 29706
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