883 W. Main St., Lake Geneva
(262) 275-6131 | inspiredcoffee.org
Facebook: @inspiredcoffeewi | Instagram: @inspiredcoffeewi
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/inspired-coffee/
Year founded: 2019 as part of Inspiration Ministries (founded in 1949)
Mission statement: Empowering people with disabilities to live greater purpose and achieve their individual best in a thriving environment.
Primary focus: Inspired, a social enterprise of Inspiration Ministries, is a premium coffee shop and neighborhood place located in downtown Lake Geneva, employing people with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities where they are celebrated, job trained, coached and, over time, placed into a fully integrated work setting. Inspired is a self-sustainable social enterprise that bridges the transition and employment gap through implementation of a standardized employee recruitment, development and transition continuum. Trainees participate in a 12-month training program in which they receive hard and soft skills coaching. Each trainee’s experience includes reaching specific benchmarks, skill assessments and participating in performance evaluations.
Other focuses: Incorporated in 1949, Inspiration Ministries, located in Walworth, has been at the forefront of providing hope and encouragement to vulnerable adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With over 70 years of expertise, Inspiration Ministries strives to meet the needs of each person through residential community, spiritual nourishment, vocational and volunteer opportunities, activities and recreation, as well as camp and retreat programming.
Number of employees: 20
Executive leadership: Erik Barber, president; Merik Fell, director of development; Thomas Nelson, director of finance and business development
Board of directors: John Rossmiller, chair; Todd Ingersoll, vice chair; Dave Bunge, treasurer; Adam Collins, secretary; Laurie Belmer; Michael Dustman; Shane Fell; Janis Healy; Joel Hovestol; Lynn Hummel; Lori Lafferty; Rick Ruzga and Carl Wuornos.
Is your organization actively seeking board members for the upcoming term? Yes, Inspiration Ministries is seeking to fill two additional board positions.
Ways the business community can help your nonprofit: Spread the word about our mission. Visit Inspired in Lake Geneva. Provide a sponsorship or scholarship gift. Volunteer.
Key fundraising events: Golf outing, Move for a Cause 5K event, boat and car auction, Alive to Thrive Benefit and Silent Auction, sponsorships, scholarships.
