WELLSBORO, PA — In the quaint town of Wellsboro, the aromatic allure of chocolate fills the air. Near the center of this olfactory wonderland, you’ll find Highland Chocolates, a nonprofit factory and retail store owned by a notable organization, Partners In Progress. But the chocolate here is not the only thing capturing attention this season – it’s their contribution to an innovative financial program that’s taking the state by storm.
State Treasurer Stacy Garrity recently concluded her statewide tour with a visit to the sweet haven, in celebration of a significant milestone: the Pennsylvania ABLE Savings Program, better known as PA ABLE, surpassing $100 million in assets.
PA ABLE, short for Achieving a Better Life Experience, offers a tax-free savings solution to Pennsylvanians living with disabilities and their families. This unique financial vehicle gives them a chance to save without jeopardizing their eligibility for crucial benefits. It’s a lifeline for thousands who want to improve their financial stability and independence.
At the heart of Wellsboro, Highland Chocolates is a shining testament to this empowering program. Providing vocational training and a host of employment opportunities, the nonprofit produces 45 delectable packaged items in both milk and dark chocolate variants. And while the chocolate is toothsome, it’s the individuals behind its creation that make the real impact.
In the words of State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, “The employees at Highland Chocolates create delicious snacks, but PA ABLE gives them a chance to save the money they’re working so hard to earn, empowering them to live independently.”
Irene Morgan, Executive Director of Partners In Progress, expresses similar sentiments, stating, “Our team members cherish their roles at Partners In Progress, and thanks to initiatives like PA ABLE, they are truly set up to thrive.”
Since its inception, PA ABLE has seen exponential growth. In the last three years alone, the program’s assets have nearly tripled, jumping from $35 million to over $115 million. Currently, 8,500 Pennsylvanians are proud account holders of the PA ABLE program.
This achievement isn’t just a financial success story; it represents a longstanding, bipartisan commitment to individuals with disabilities in Pennsylvania. Senator Bob Casey, a Democrat, was a key proponent of the Federal ABLE law, established in 2014. Similarly, state-level champions include Senator Lisa Baker and former Rep. Bernie O’Neill, both Republicans, who played vital roles in materializing PA ABLE in April 2016.
As State Treasurer Garrity cleverly points out, this program has “very bipartisan roots – right here in Pennsylvania.” This joint effort, transcending political divides, underscores the value of unity in creating meaningful, practical solutions for the community.
The growth of PA ABLE reflects a tangible, positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities. It marks a new era of financial empowerment, offering pathways for these individuals to save for significant expenses like a home, assistive technology, or an accessible vehicle. The impact is profound and far-reaching, transforming lives by unlocking financial barriers that once seemed insurmountable.
As the PA ABLE program continues to flourish, buoyed by the support and leadership of officials dedicated to the cause, the employees at Highland Chocolates and thousands of other Pennsylvanians stand testament to the potential of this groundbreaking initiative. It’s not just about chocolate; it’s about crafting a richer and more inclusive Pennsylvania, one savings account at a time.
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