Staff report
The Point/Arc board has announced “a strategic decision” to close Point Perk, an outgrowth of one of founder Judi Gerding’s first social enterprises in downtown Covington.
Point Arc is celebrating its 53th year serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Gerding has earned a well-founded reputation for innovation in creating “social enterprises” that help create jobs — and job training — for the individuals the nonprofit serves. The Point Perk transitioned to a coffee shop from the Point Restaurant which was originally located in its space.
“While this is a difficult decision, it reflects our commitment to strengthening our enterprise mission — providing meaningful employment training experiences that prepare individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for success in life and work,” said Elizabeth Suhre, HR/Finance Director of Point/Arc in a message to employees.
For more than a decade, Point Perk has been far more than a coffee shop and a place where individuals built confidence, learned valuable job skills, formed lasting friendships, and discovered greater independence.
But as the organization continues to grow, “we have an opportunity to refocus our resources and invest even more intentionally in innovative vocational training opportunities that will expand employment experiences and better prepare individuals for the future.”
The final cup of coffee will be served on Saturday, September 5th.
The public is invited to stop by, “share a cup with us, celebrate everything Point Perk has accomplished, and help us toast the bright future ahead for our employment training programs and the individuals we serve.”