Abilis, the nonprofit organization providing services and support to more than 800 individuals with disabilities and their families, has opened the new Abilis Courthouse Café in the Stamford Superior Court courthouse.
— an announcement from Abilis
The Abilis Courthouse Café is open to the public, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the courthouse at 123 Hoyt St. in Stamford.
“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,” said Amy Montimurro, CEO and president of Abilis.
The new Abilis Courthouse Café will employ Abilis community members, along with job coaches and a manager. Employment rates for those with disabilities often is low, with 80 percent unemployment.
Attorney Lindy Urso, a former Abilis board member and currently a member of Abilis’ Human Resources committee, saw the Courthouse Café had been closed since the pandemic, and he heard of the request for proposals to open an eatery in the space. He brought the opportunity to Abilis.
Photo from Abilis
At the Abilis Courthouse Café (from left): Pam Arturi, director of business for Abilis; Abilis CEO Amy Montimurro; Attorney Lindy Urso; Agni Daniel, Abilis Courthouse Café staff; Zach Devine, Abilis Courthouse Café team member; and Mevlan Lebiti, Abilis Courthouse Café staff.
Abilis runs six other Cafés in Fairfield County in partnership with the Greenwich Library, Darien Library, Darien YMCA, Darien Depot, the Town of Greenwich (Island Beach Concession) and its own headquarters Café. Abilis was selected in a request for proposal by the Stamford/Norwalk Judicial District. “We have had such a positive response to our Cafés,” Montimurro said.
Among the offerings at th Abilis Courthouse Café are seasonal specials and gift items from Abilis’ retail training site, shop and greenhouse, Abilis Gardens & Gifts.
Abilis is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization supporting more than 800 individuals with disabilities and their families from birth throughout their lives in towns including Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk, Ridgefield, Stamford, Westport and Wilton.