Have a Conversation with Bridget Gholston…

…and you’ll find it hard to believe that this bubbly young lady was once hampered by her quiet nature and shy personality. “I’d get so nervous I couldn’t talk,” she recalled. Nor could she do a lot of things, such as take public transportation, hunt for a job or live on her own.

Fortunately, her aunt had heard about Aspire’s efforts to redefine what’s possible for people of disabilities. Getting involved in Aspire’s independent living program was the first step toward a new life for Bridget, helping her gain the confidence “to try new things, like taking the bus on my own,” she said.

That first step led to many more, such as a job opportunity in production at Aspire CoffeeWorks. Bridget excelled as an employee and was so detail-oriented that Aspire’s partner, Metropolis Coffee Company, made her a job offer she couldn’t refuse.

“I’m a lot more outgoing now,” said Bridget. “And I really love to laugh.”

Today, she commutes an hour by public transportation to and from her job as a production assistant at Metropolis, where her primary responsibility is labeling bags of coffee. “And there are so many new things to learn here,” said Bridget, “like bagging coffee, sealing the bags, even shipping.”

What makes Metropolis as well as Aspire CoffeeWorks stand out is the personal touch that goes into every bag. Unlike roasters with automated production processes, Aspire CoffeeWorks and Metropolis rely on people like Bridget, who applies the right label to the right bag of the right coffee blend, carefully and with a little love.

When she’s not at work, Bridget enjoys listening to music, watching funny movies, going shopping, and especially, getting together with family and friends. “I’m a lot more outgoing now,” she said. “And I really love to laugh.”

“Aspire can help anyone who has problems learn how to do things, like find an apartment or a job,” she added. ”They’re wonderful.”

Learn how Aspire helps adults with disabilities get meaningful jobs in the community.

Learn more about Aspire CoffeeWorks and try our coffee, it’s Bridget’s favorite!