WILLIAMSTOWN, Ky. (WKRC) — Tucked between Cincinnati and Lexington, the Kentucky Y’all Icebox in Williamstown has become a vital community asset, offering both delicious treats and meaningful employment for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Elijah Powers, an employee at the ice cream shop, shared his appreciation for the opportunity. “I love it here actually, it’s a pretty good job,” Powers said. “A lot of good people.”
Since its opening in April, the shop has served a dual purpose: providing the community with a sweet escape and offering employment to those who face challenges in finding work due to their disabilities.
Loren Gordon, whose daughter Natashia works at the shop, expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity the store has given. “I didn’t realize exactly what children like her were going to run into when they get out of school,” Gordon said. “There’s nothing here for them, and this here is like a beacon now.”
The Kentucky Y’all Icebox was founded by mother-daughter team Rachelle Morse and Mona Lazarus. Lazarus, who had long dreamed of creating a business that employed people with disabilities, had previously started the nonprofit DREAM Grant County. Rachelle, on the other hand, had a vision for revitalizing downtown Williamstown.
“I was looking for buildings and ways to get that started, and then my daughter was wanting to start this ice cream shop,” Lazarus explained. “We kind of looked at each other and said, ‘Yeah, we should be doing this thing together.'”
As foot traffic continues to grow in the area, the owners encourage locals and visitors to view the Kentucky Y’all Icebox as more than just an ice cream parlor. “Think about us as a sweets and treats shop, but everything that you pick up, everything here at the shop has a little bit of history to it,” said Morse.
In addition to offering a unique community experience, every purchase at the shop supports a greater cause. “It puts meaning into a lot of people’s lives that didn’t really have much to look forward to,” said Gordon. “It is for a good cause, and come in and buy an ice cream.”
Recently, the shop received a grant to purchase a van, which will assist in transporting employees to and from work. The Kentucky Y’all Icebox is located on North Main Street, just two miles from the Ark Encounter, further adding to its visibility and connection to the community.
You Might Be Interested In:
- Best Chocolate Flavors at Baskin Robbins: Which Ones Stand Out?
- What Is Baskin Robbins’ Plant-Based Ice Cream?
- Why Should You Consider “Hiring Baskin Robbins Near Me”?
