Finding the Ability in Disability

Hiring people with disabilities can be an intimidating prospect for many employers. There are misconceptions that workers with disabilities pose greater risks, would be less productive or less reliable – all false assumptions. In addition to employing disabled workers themselves, another way a business can support this community is to follow the example set by Pendo and partner with companies such as 321 Coffee.

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321 Coffee Announces Yet Another New Location in DTR

For those who may not be familiar, beyond brewing up beans, 321 Coffee’s mission is to employ individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the community—with its two new “hot” locations further answering the call. Keeping you sated and caffeinated seven days a week with the trademark upbeat vibe fans dig about the OG State Farmers Market spot, the new 500-square-foot Bloc[83] benevolent bean spot will feature a full coffee menu with rotating specials.

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Extraordinary Difference: Lindsay Wrege

Lindsay Wrege ’21 is one of the many Pack members who have benefited by the historic fundraising effort of the Think And Do The Extraordinary Campaign. Wrege is helping adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain meaningful employment through 321 Coffee, a company that she co-founded.

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Dallas WregeNCSU
Fashion For All

At the end of the 2021 Threads Senior Collection show, 321 Coffee barista Matthew spoke to the audience about the impact of the “Sonder” collection. “We look beautiful today, and because of that, we are confident.”

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Dallas WregeNCSU Textiles
Foodie News: 321 to Open First Stand-Alone Shop

Locally owned coffee shop 321 Coffee announced via Twitter this week that they will be opening their first stand-alone shop this spring on Hillsborough Street (615 Hillsborough St.) in the Bloc83 building (directly across the street from Char-Grill). If you are not familiar with 321, they are a coffee shop and roaster that employs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

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Dallas WregeWRAL
Extraordinary Difference: Lindsay Wrege

NC State alumna Lindsay Wrege ’21 is helping adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain meaningful employment through 321 Coffee, a company which she co-founded. With support from the university’s Think and Do the Extraordinary Campaign, the former Park Scholar was able to create this inclusive business in 2017 — while she was still earning her undergraduate degree.

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Dallas WregeNCSU
Featured Brand: 321 Coffee

80% of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are unemployed. 321 Coffee's mission is to change this. 321 employs over 30 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). They are the ones roasting the coffee, taking the orders, and making the lattes. 321 Coffee is demonstrating the value of an inclusive business model.

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Dallas WregeResource Key
Startup Stories: 321 Coffee

Individuals with disabilities tend to see a drop off in career opportunities and support following high school graduation. Lewis Sheats, former assistant vice provost of entrepreneurship, sits down with the founders of 321 Coffee, Lindsay Wrege and Michael Evans, to discuss how to provide employees with disabilities a meaningful way to contribute to society.

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