By: Taylor Burton | Staff Writer
craveABLEs employee Ian chatting with a customer. | craveABLEs website
A one-of-a-kind ice cream shop sits just a few miles away from the University of Lynchburg’s campus. CraveABLEs has experienced many highs and lows since opening in 2024, but even as they prepare for their grand reopening, their mission has remained the same.
CraveABLEs is rooted in more than just sweet treats, as they work to encourage positive attitudes and challenge societal perceptions about differently-abled individuals. By providing meaningful supported employment opportunities, the co-founders and special education teachers, Taylor Perkins and Genevieve Weaver, have created a life-changing environment.
“As special education teachers, we spent years watching students with incredible potential graduate into a world with very few meaningful employment opportunities,” said Weaver. “craveABLEs was born out of our desire to create the kind of workplace we wished existed for our students, a place where people with disabilities are valued and given opportunities to succeed,”
The Lynchburg community has been a massive supporter of the craveABLEs mission and has stood by the shop, especially during hard times, such as the electrical fire that temporarily shut the Lakeside Drive shop’s doors. Many individuals connect deeply and partner with them through sponsorships, events, and grants to help them expand their impact.
Co-founders Genevieve Weaver and Taylor Perkins | Lynchburg Living
The craveABLEs team comprises ABLE employees and interns, along with support staff. ABLE employees are those with intellectual disabilities who have exited high school, and ABLE interns are those with intellectual disabilities, still in high school but learning and increasing their skills.
Hannah Belsterling is an ABLE staff member who feels that working for craveABLEs has given her a big, supportive family. She has learned many valuable lessons and skills by trying new things she never thought she could do.
“I’m very proud of all the coworkers’ hard work, especially when the ice cream is hard to scoop. It’s very impressive,” Belsterling said.
By having such a strong bond with her coworkers, she has been able to learn about others’ perspectives and that everyone has diverse abilities. These connections also help her throughout the workday.
craveABLEs staff at the shop’s previous location. | Lynchburg Living
Allison Lacks is one of the support staff members at craveABLEs, where she provides on-the-job training and support to the ABLE staff. She provides guidance as they practice and grow in their skill sets.
“Building relationships and really getting to know my coworkers is at the heart of how I support their success,” said Lacks. “Understanding their interests, strengths, and needs helps me tailor instruction to meet each person where they are and keep them engaged. Encouragement and praise throughout learning processes go a long way as well.”
Whether you stop by for a sweet treat or to support a meaningful mission, craveABLEs offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Not only does visiting the shop give back to their employees, but it also offers a menu of 25 flavors and unique items like dessert nachos, so you can feel good about your delicious purchase.
The shop is preparing for its grand reopening on April 29 at 3700 Candlers Mountain Road.
For more information and updates on the reopening, visit craveABLE’s website
