WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz, and Eric Roe celebrated National Disability Independence Day on July 26 with a visit to the County Cup. This grab-and-go café provides job training to individuals with disabilities through the Chester County Intermediate Unit’s (CCIU) Discover program. The County Cup began over 12 years ago as a collaboration between the Chester County Department of Mental Health/Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (MH/IDD) and the CCIU.
The Commissioners were joined by CCIU Deputy Executive Director Steve Gerhard, Director of Student Services Siobhan Leavy, and Supervisor of Community-Based Instruction & Adult Services Kim Ring. National Disability Independence Day marks the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990.
The County Cup offers training, job skills, and employment opportunities in food service and catering for Chester County residents with special needs, ranging from students aged 14 to adults. Since its inception at the Chester County Government Services Center, the program has expanded to six locations, including the Chester County Justice Center. In 2016, it received recognition from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for Outstanding Achievements in the Employment and Training category.
“Training and employment programs are critical elements of creating independence for individuals with disabilities as they gain confidence and skills as well as valuable career exposure,” said Stephanie Kilcoyne, Chester County IDD Deputy Administrator. “Chester County government is proud to host two County Cup locations and to partner with the CCIU to engage with and support our community members.”
The CCIU guides the County Cup in developing skills and identifying interests for future career options in the food service industry. Participants rotate through various roles, including customer service, serving, cleaning, cashiering, and inventory management. The students also develop essential work readiness skills.
“Our goal is to provide meaningful job training experiences that teach and empower students and adults with disabilities to be successful in the working community,” said Kimberly Ring, Supervisor of Community-Based Instruction & Adult Services for CCIU. “Chester County government’s partnership with the CCIU’s County Cup has provided a greater platform to help us do just that.”
The celebration at the County Cup highlights Chester County’s efforts to support individuals with disabilities and foster their independence through meaningful employment opportunities.
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