Working to Give: Philanthropies & Philanthropic Work

Maureen Stanko of Cedars, Pennsylvania, has created a beacon of hope for families with special-needs children. Stanko’s son, Nick, a 20-year-old on the autism spectrum, inspired the creation of the So Much To Give Inclusive Cafe, which opened its doors in January 2023. This unique cafe employs 63 people, 80% of whom have disabilities, serving in roles ranging from greeters to sous chefs.

Maureen was feeling concerned about what Nick would do once he finished school. Nick’s therapist shared with her that he dreamt of opening a restaurant that would employ people with disabilities. With the help of philanthropist Kathy Opperman, this dream quickly became a reality.

The cafe has become more than a workplace—it’s a community hub where people with disabilities can dine without stress. It’s a place where Nick learned to comfortably sit at a restaurant, and where others, like Lauren Oppelts, who is hearing impaired, thrive in roles they never imagined possible. Oppelts, who works as a hostess and teaches sign language, shared her newfound confidence, saying, “I mean, if you would ask me over a year ago, two years ago that I would be a hostess, a server, I wouldn’t believe you. Because I have grown so much self-confidence… A lot of these employees I’ve known since the very, very beginning and the growth I see in them, it’s just mind-blowing.”

Adjacent to the cafe, Stanko established the Inspiration Studio. Here, individuals with disabilities engage in music, life skills, and crafts, further enriching their lives.

Through her initiative, Stanko has not only provided meaningful employment and a supportive community but also demonstrated that everyone truly has “so much to give.” This inspiring venture reflects the power of community, dedication, and the belief that everyone has valuable contributions to make.

In an inspiring collaboration, Lisa Ford and her husband Bill, the Executive Chair of Ford Motor Co., have launched a visionary campaign to bolster the future of Detroit-based youth organizations. In partnership with The Children’s Foundation, the Fords aim to secure a minimum of $10 million to establish permanent endowments for ten deserving nonprofits focused on serving the city’s younger population.

Endowments offer increased financial stability, allowing nonprofits to draw annual returns to support their operations. The chosen Detroit nonprofits will be announced in June. They will each receive $500,000 that will enable them to launch an endowment, and they will have the opportunity to grow the endowment through matching contributions and fundraising efforts.

Lisa Ford’s approach was shaped by prior successful fundraising endeavors and a belief in the power of collaboration to effect meaningful change. The campaign’s innovative approach to endowment selection will involve community input, emphasizing a broad spectrum of services eligible for support. The initiative seeks to challenge the norm, where only a fraction of nonprofits are privileged to have endowments. Experts in the field of philanthropy advocate for endowments as a means of ensuring generational equity and organizational stability.

By fostering a financially secure environment for youth-focused nonprofits, the Fords and The Children’s Foundation aim to create a lasting impact, ensuring these vital organizations can continue their work for generations to come.