A Taste of Success
In a celebration of community and collaboration, Life’sWork of Western PA proudly acknowledges Eat’n Park Hospitality Group as one of our 2024 Business Partners of the Year. This remarkable partnership has been a sweet success, providing meaningful employment to over 75 individuals with disabilities. Through this alliance, our clients have not just received a paycheck but also provided meaningfully to their community—crafting a sense of self-worth and belonging along with some tasty treats.
Better Together
Empowering Abilities and Building Futures
Established with the belief that everyone deserves the chance to contribute to society, Life’sWork helps individuals achieve independence and build fulfilling careers. Our inclusivity and empowerment initiatives range from vocational training to job placement services. By collaborating with local businesses, Life’sWork ensures that individuals with disabilities can find meaningful work that aligns with their skills and interests.
Through one of these collaborations, Life’sWork students were offered employment through Eat’n Park, which created a supportive and inclusive environment that allowed these individuals to thrive.
Eat’n Park Hospitality Group is a cherished name in the Western Pennsylvania region, known for its commitment to quality, service, and community. With a rich history dating back to 1949, Eat’n Park, the original namesake brand, has become a staple in the community, beloved for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious offerings—especially their Smiley Cookies. Beyond its reputation as a restaurant chain, Eat’n Park is dedicated to making a positive impact on the communities it serves.
Eat’n Park Hospitality Group has long recognized the value of an inclusive workforce, where individuals of all abilities are given the opportunity to contribute and succeed. Their partnership with Life’sWork is a testament to this commitment, as they actively seek to hire individuals with disabilities and provide them with meaningful employment.
“At Eat’n Park Hospitality Group, our people are at the heart of what we do,” says Eat’n Park Hospitality Group Chief People Officer Carsen Ruperto. “It was a no-brainer for us to work with Life’sWork. They are dedicated to inclusivity, they are dedicated to making sure that individuals have the opportunity to have meaningful work, and we’re so lucky to be in an industry where we have opportunities for people of all ages and all abilities.”
What We Accomplish Together
The partnership between Life’sWork and Eat’n Park Hospitality Group has yielded significant benefits for individuals with disabilities, the community, and the business itself. By providing meaningful employment opportunities, this collaboration has empowered individuals to achieve personal and professional growth. The impact of this partnership extends beyond the workplace, as individuals gain confidence and independence, improving their overall quality of life.
This inspiring partnership underscores the significance of corporate social responsibility and the importance of creating opportunities for all individuals to thrive. By championing diversity and inclusion, Life’sWork and Eat’n Park Hospitality Group are contributing to a brighter, more equitable future for the Western Pennsylvania community.
If you are inspired by this story and want to learn more about how your organization can create an inclusive work environment, consider reaching out to Life’sWork of Western PA. Together, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and connected community, where individuals of all abilities can live the lives they choose.
For more information on how you can get involved or donate, visit lifesworkwpa.org/ways-to-give.
