The Abilis Courthouse Café opened on March 21 within the Stamford Superior Court House at 123 Hoyt street.
Abilis is a nonprofit which provides service and support to more than 800 people with disabilities across the region while also aiding their families. The café will provide employment opportunities to adults with disabilities, and was selected as the winner of a standard request for proposal by the Stamford/Norwalk Judicial District.
The Stamford Courthouse location is the sixth Café in Fairfield County run by Abilis.
“We are thrilled to have won the RFP for the new Abilis Courthouse Café,” said Amy Montimurro, CEO and president of Abilis in a prepared statement.
“Abilis has had a successful history running wonderful, inclusive Cafés in lower Fairfield County. To be selected by the Stamford Superior Courthouse, which is a very high-traffic venue, is really validating that our competitive employment program for adults with disabilities is a great model that more organizations are excited to embrace,” Montimurro added.
“The new Abilis Courthouse Café employs Abilis community members, along with job coaches and a manager, and provides much needed competitive employment opportunities for adults with disabilities in our community. Employment rates for those with disabilities has often been low, with 80 percent unemployment, but we are helping change that statistic. We have had such a positive response to our Cafés with the Greenwich and Darien Libraries, the Darien YMCA, the Darien Depot and the Town of Greenwich, and we are excited to be expanding our Café concept to Stamford.”
The café has partnerships with a number of local restaurants and catering companies, and will offer a diverse menu between 7:30am to 3pm Monday through Friday.