Menumenu

October 29, 2020 | Greenwich Time

GREENWICH — When the Greenwich Library Cafe reopens later this year, it will be run by a completely new staff, will offer an entirely new menu and will be located in newly renovated space. The day-to-day operations of the cafe will be taken over by Abilis, a Greenwich-based organization that supports individuals of all ages with special needs. Eight individuals with disabilities will be employed there.

Abilis Cafe 102920

October 19, 2020 | Greenwich Time

GREENWICH — Living with hypotonia — or low muscle tone — has been challenging, at best, for Spencer Connolly. “I can walk and talk but physical (exercise) is really hard,” the 21-year-old said at Town Hall on Monday afternoon. Connolly’s disability makes it so he’s unable to drive. But his challenges go much further than just those physical. The condition has caused him embarrassment, he said. But a new internship program through Greenwich-based Abilis has given Connolly a newfound sense of confidence.

Abilis Still Work to be done

October 19, 2020 | www.greenwichct.gov

PROCLAMATION from Fred Camillo, First Selectman 

WHEREAS, October is National Disability Employment month and 85 percent of those unemployed are people with disabilities. For 69 years Abilis has supported people with disabilities and provides job training and employment opportunities for more than 255 individuals per year in the Greenwich community; and

WHEREAS, Job training and coaching is essential to ensure successful employment for people with disabilities, Abilis has partnered with The Greenwich Library to train and employ people with disabilities at the new Greenwich Library Café. This new local community partnership will allow Abilis to provide more than 225 hours of paid employment per week ensuring self-worth and self-sufficiency; and 

WHEREAS, Since 2018, Abilis has partnered with Greenwich Hospital for the Project Search Internship Program that provides skill development, self-confidence, independence and job readiness skills; and

WHEREAS, Even without a challenging economic climate, the process to identify and secure employment for people with disabilities can range from a few weeks to several months. Abilis has partnered with Second Congregational Church to develop "Coffee For Good", a local business that will provide a training platform in food service. Sixty individuals per year will receive training, salaries and will benefit from this community-based coffee shop; and

WHEREAS, We dedicate this day to recognize the work at Abilis, our community partners and all employers in Greenwich who are working to improve the lives of those living with disabilities, with the hope that more businesses will join this effort.

NOW, THEREFORE, l, Fred Camillo, FIRST SELECTMAN OF THE TOWN OF GREENWICH, do
hereby proclaim October 19, 2020 as
Abilis' Partners for Employment Day

October 18, 2020 | Greenwich Sentinel

For the past 15 years, the annual Walk/Run for Abilis has become a hallmark celebration for the Abilis community. Each October, Abilis’ clients, families and friends gather for the Walk/Run for Abilis, which has traditionally been held at Greenwich Point Park. The event is Abilis’ largest annual fundraiser and signature “friend-raising” event. Many who take part in Walk/Run for Abilis do so because they are inspired by a friend or family member with a developmental disability. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Abilis has moved the annual Walk/Run for Abilis to a virtual event on October 18, 2020. Participants are encouraged to register in advance at abilis.us/walkrun and can complete their 5k or 1-mile run anywhere! Registration is free. Sign up at abilis.us/walkrun.

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