May 20th was a big day for our Joyristas and esp as Java Joy and Golden Pantry worked together to launch the new Snack Stand! Whether it’s to grab a snack or a refreshing drink at the Playground of Possibilities, wanting some takeout coffee while attending Camp Hooray, or receiving a hug from one of our Joyristas, this new Snack Stand helps people of all abilities come together to share the joy and love in the community.
Java Joy was created in 2016, where its focus is to provide employment that is meaningful for adults with disabilities, and to engage with the community by setting up events at many locations in Athens by distributing coffee and communicating with our Joyristas. The organization has served local schools, companies, and more as they have also expanded to Atlanta and Rome.
Two years ago, the training center started at the Piedmont Oconee Health Campus in Watkinsville. There, they provided coffee and breakfast, and collaborated with the Golden Pantry Marketplace to give out meals and smiles to the city. Recently on May 10th, Java Joy closed their training center to then proceed to open the new Snack Stand at esp in Watkinsville. A ceremony was held to express their gratitude and share the future of Java Joy to help the community stay connected.
Craig Portwood, esp’s Executive Director for Athens, was part of the ceremony as he spoke and helped cut the ribbon to officially open the stand. When it comes to the purpose of Java Joy, he says, “Java Joy exists to create experiences of unmatched joy through moments of engagement with people of all abilities. We do serve fabulous coffee and operate the Golden Pantry Snack Stand, but it is truly the connection with our community members in a shared space that brings us all together.”
With the future of Java Joy, Portwood explains, “The Golden Pantry Snack Stand is giving esp and Java Joy an expanded opportunity to see what a permanent location looks like and how we can provide benefit to our community.” He hopes that this will lead to community engagement at other locations for esp, and he is looking forward to seeing the Joyristas grow as leaders and sharing memorable experiences with others.
The Snack Stand is now open at esp Headquarters in Watkinsville, which is across the Playground of Possibilities and beside Watkinsville City Hall. The stand will be open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
