EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The El Paso Community Foundation’s Gozo’s Ice Cream shop, which opened earlier this year in Downtown El Paso, is making waves by providing jobs to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The ice cream shop, located at 601 N. Oregon St., Suite 1, offers a unique opportunity for its employees to gain valuable work experience while contributing to the local community.
Adam Tirres, program manager with the Community Foundation, explained that Gozo’s aims to address a critical need in the area. “When most people graduate from school or college, they go on to find jobs where they engage with coworkers, family, and friends,” said Tirres. “That kind of social interaction is often lacking for adults with disabilities, so our shop offers a chance for them to experience that in a meaningful way.”
The success of the shop has prompted the Community Foundation to plan for expansion. Three additional Gozo’s locations are slated to open in spring 2025, providing 15 more employment opportunities for adults with disabilities. “It’s essential for the community to see people with disabilities working in customer-facing roles, delivering excellent service,” Tirres said, emphasizing the shop’s role in promoting inclusivity.
Additionally, Gozo’s Ice Cream is set to expand its reach by selling its products at local grocery stores and smaller markets, further increasing the impact of the project.
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