The Hope to Opportunities Foundation and Advo Companies celebrated the grand opening of three on-site businesses Wednesday at the Hope Village Transitional Employment Center and Park. The event marked a significant step in the organizations’ mission to provide vocational training and physical activity programs for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).
The newly opened businesses — Special Blends Coffee and Tea Shop, Jeffrey’s Deli, and Scoops with Smiles Ice Cream Parlor — are designed to offer participants valuable hands-on experience in customer service, food preparation, and other workplace skills. The goal is to equip adults with IDD with the training and support needed for meaningful employment.
According to Hope Village representatives, Special Blends Coffee and Tea Shop and Jeffrey’s Deli will operate daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., while Scoops with Smiles Ice Cream Parlor will open at 11 a.m.
The businesses are part of the ongoing development of Hope Village, a project made possible by a $25 million capital campaign launched by the Hope to Opportunities Foundation. The campaign aims to build and expand facilities that support employment, training, and recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Phase Two of the project includes the addition of six independent retail shops and a warehouse facility. Future phases are set to bring even more enhancements to the campus, including an accessible park and a gymnasium/activity center to support physical health and wellness.
Construction on Hope Village officially began in 2023, following nearly three years of planning and fundraising efforts. Since then, the site has grown into a transitional employment center designed to bridge the gap between training and community-based jobs.
