In this episode of Grit & Gravitas, Anne and Anne sit down with Kait Gillis, Owner of Nour Coffee, and Sara Firestone, VP, Community and Public Relations, Members 1st Federal Credit Union, for a conversation that blends business with deep purpose.
 
Inspired by her daughter, Nour, who has Down syndrome, and driven by the reality that over 70% of people with disabilities are unemployed, Kait built a workplace where individuals with neurodiversity and typically developing peers work side-by-side, serve the community, and find belonging. 
 
“I couldn’t change who Nour is because Nour is a perfect, beautiful angel, but I could try to fix the world for her a little bit,” Kait shares. With a strong financial relationship and support from Members 1st, Nour Coffee has become a true third space, sourcing from local, small businesses and now Kait has launched a nonprofit, Nouri’s Place, to foster social connection and family resources.
 
The conversation covers growth and grit beginning with Kait's path from Wall Street to workforce inclusion, to business vitamins about staffing and product standards that match the mission. You’ll also hear about recognition from PA Governor Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro, and Kait's invitation to join PA's Workforce Development Board. As Members 1st proudly watches Nour flourish, Sara says, “I have the good fortune of seeing the good that’s happening in our community every day.”
 
“I think as more folks are exposed to the benefits of employing somebody with a disability, the timeliness, the desire to work, the never calling off, never showing up late—it’s really beautiful,” says Kait. 

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