A morning at Two & Company in Chagrin Falls doesn’t feel much different than starting the day at any other busy coffee shop. Guests sit at tables and converse over coffee and avocado toast, or they shop the small boutique up front while waiting for a to-go order.
But behind the typical coffee house experience lies an important mission.
Shari Hunter's son, Derek, was diagnosed with down syndrome at birth. As he went through schooling, she realized there was a critical lack of programs in schools that prepared students with cognitive, physical and mental disabilities to enter the workforce. Determined to make a change, Shari launched Two & Company, a nonprofit coffee shop and boutique that offers job training to help these individuals thrive.
At Two & Company, a team of experienced educators and business operators work to create a one-stop shop for hires that includes job training, development, placement, transportation and long-term support. Trainees at Two & Company either become employees with the shop or are placed at different companies, such as Home Depot, Top Golf, and University Hospitals. Trainees range from recent high school graduates to all ages.
The success speaks for itself. Since its creation in 2014, more than 100 businesses have hired graduates of the program. In 2023 alone, 33 individuals were trained and placed in careers. In all, there have been more than 300 trainees.
“The priority of the business is to be a training ground to assess an individual's strengths and find the perfect company fit for each trainee so that they may thrive,” Hunter says.
Hunter's vision goes beyond job placement. Her two guiding mottos — "People First, Medical Diagnosis Second" and "Life Without Labels" — reflect a core belief that “everyone deserves the chance to reach their full potential.”
There are many ways to be part of Two & Company's mission. Donations are important to sustain the business, but for many, the best support is to simply visit the store. Customers can give back by shopping products such as locally sourced clothes, jewelries and purses and scratch-made cafe items such as breakfast sandwiches, smash burgers or cookies. Enjoy a Tarragon Chicken Salad Sandwich ($15) filled with chicken, tarragon, almonds, grapes, celery, mayonnaise, shredded lettuce, all on a toasted brioche bun, or bring home a custom-made set of four colorful glass bead friendship bracelets made by Two & Company graduates ($24).
Hiring managers and business owners can also reach out to inquire about hiring graduates of the program. Graduates of the program stand out as they go through a two to three month feedback heavy program as they explore multiple varying job roles and hone in on what they excel in, making for strong candidates.
“We all have exceptionalities that make us unique and different,” Hunter shares.
This fall, Two & Company takes a major step forward with the opening of a new location in Chagrin Falls. Moving from 177 E. Washington St. to 8578 E. Washington St. doubles the organization’s space. Hunter hopes the additional space can help the program support even more individuals on their path to success.
"We show people that we do life better together," she says.
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