Partnership Would Give Employment Opportunities For People With Disabilities

The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education is meeting Tuesday night to discuss a new partnership. The proposal could provide job opportunities for students and adults with disabilities.

A group of Forsyth County residents wants to start a new coffee shop on Trade Street in Winston-Salem. District officials are working on leasing details for the property, which is attached to the Downtown School.

The shop would be called Moji Coffee and More. Organizers say it would employ students and adults with disabilities in the community. It's inspired by a similar business in Wilmington called Bitty and Beau's Coffee.

“This is really exciting,” says Daryl Walker, assistant superintendent of operations for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. “I think it's a great opportunity for students and adults to create opportunities that build self esteem and a sense of inclusiveness in our community and be part of the economic development plan of our county.”

Artwork created by students and adults with disabilities would also be displayed in the coffee shop.

Supporters have created a fundraising campaign to help jumpstart the project.

If the county school board approves a leasing deal, operators say it would open in late spring or early summer.

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