A Greenwich nonprofit that trains adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities for jobs earned a visit from Governor Ned Lamont on Friday, Oct. 9.
Coffee for Good, at 48 Maple Avenue inside the historic 1858 Mead House, offers paid training where workers earn minimum wage while learning job skills. After six to 18 months, the organization helps graduates find competitive employment, typically 15 to 20 hours a week, according to its website. Over the past five years, the nonprofit has placed 40 people into local jobs, according to its website.
People with developmental disabilities face unemployment rates the nonprofit estimates at close to 80%.
Lamont's visit marked National Disability Employment Awareness Month, observed each October. The 2026 theme is "Celebrating Value and Talent," according to the U.S. Department of Labor. October 2026 marks the 81st anniversary of the observance.
The governor's visit
Lamont presented a citation recognizing Coffee for Good for providing employment to people with disabilities, as first reported by Greenwich Free Press. He met with board members and staff before reading the citation aloud.
"Steve Meskers has been wanting me to do this for a long time, and I'm glad I finally made it," Lamont said.
State Rep. Steve Meskers, D-District 150, attended the event.
Alan Gunzburg, chair of the Greenwich ADA Advisory and Advocacy Committee, brought his service dog Denise and called for people with disabilities to be valued as employees and contributors. Employee Ben Beloff wore a T-shirt reading "Inclusion is Brewing." Beloff held the citation.
About Coffee for Good
The nonprofit is an independent organization on the campus of the Second Congregational Church. It has been voted Best Coffee Shop of the Gold Coast in 2023 and 2024 by Greenwich Magazine.
Coffee for Good is open Monday through Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 48 Maple Avenue.
