Chester County has found an innovative way to serve up hands-on career skills to residents with special needs and satisfy the hunger of fast-paced county employees and members of the public all at the same time, and the initiative just won a national excellence award.

The County Cup employs staff and volunteer interns to stock, serve and sell “Grab and Go” breakfasts and lunches at four different locations or “On the Go” catered meals.

“The County Cup represents an innovative way to meet the needs of students with disabilities, county employees and the general public,” Chester County Intermediate Unit Director of Student Services Dr. Jacalyn Auris said. “It offers a satisfying customer dining experience in an environment that shines a light on competent, friendly and skillful young workers who happen to have a disability. It is a model that works. It is a model that is successful in Chester County, and I believe it could be successful anywhere.”

Recently, the CCIU- and Chester County Department of Mental Health/Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities-created County Cup program was awarded the National Association of Counties’ Outstanding Achievements Award in Employment and Training.

What started as a kiosk in the Chester County Government Services Center is now also offered at the Chester County Justice Center, the CCIU Learning Center and the Delaware County Community College Pennock’s Bridge Campus, with a fifth location set to open this September.

“Like many of Chester County’s endeavors, the County Cup began as a vision — in this instance, a vision to provide training and employment opportunities for our residents with disabilities,” Chester County Commissioners Chairman Terence Farrell said.

It introduces students and adults to food service job opportunities by leading them through hands-on experience in customer service, serving, cleaning up, working as a cashier and checking inventory while also teaching work skills like hygiene, punctuality, following directions, accepting supervision and independence.