We often hear about a mother’s love—so powerful, infinite, unconditional. When you meet Shari Hunter, you not only see it in her eyes and hear it in her voice, when you visit Two & Company, you get to experience the incredible life-changing outcomes that her love is cultivating every day.

That experience begins with the Café at Two & Company. The space is warm and inviting. You see a hand-chalked menu board. You hear the familiar sounds of expresso machines and a staff busy taking care of customers. What you may not notice is that this bustling café also serves as training opportunity for people of every ability. One that focuses less on limitations and more on possibilities. Which is exactly what Shari aims to provide.

Shari’s efforts have grown to include the Café, Shops, Services and The Two Foundation, which together are collectively known as Two & Company. Her vision for this ever-expanding collection of services can be summarized in three simple, hopeful, empowering words. Life without labels.

“We are not a special place for special people. I think we are very different because we start at a different place than most agencies or service providers. We start with inclusion, rather than segregation, and build in the supports needed for each individual’s success. Every person is here for a reason, and we exist to help them find their purpose. Our philosophy is inclusion through and through. We believe to our core that we are all people who belong together, and we are all better for it.”

With Shari and her three children at the helm, Two & Company continues working to alter traditional mindsets and break down stigmas and stereotypes in the workplace and in the communities beyond.

“One person, family, school, business and community at a time, we can change the future for those we love and serve. That is our ultimate goal and dream.” With the love of an incredible family and the support of a willing community there’s no limit to what Two & Company can accomplish. Shari agrees, “We’ve set our sights on achieving a beautiful, inclusive future. We’re determined to get there. And we know we can do it better together.”

The Two & Company team has collected story after story about the successes, connections and friendships that have blossomed thanks to participation in the camps and programs they offer.

Recently, a mom of a camper shared her appreciation for the lasting friendships her daughter made through her Job Readiness camp. Before attending, her daughter had a hard time making friends. Afterward, she was invited to her first birthday party as well as her first movie night with friends. Hearing from former students and their parents about the successes they are experiencing warms Shari’s heart. “Nothing makes us happier than to hear our graduates or campers are experiencing relationships that are enriching their lives in so many ways.”

Beyond personal growth opportunities, the team can share many stories of their graduates finding professional success. BJ, for example, who was struggling to find opportunities and began to fall into negative habits as a result. Once he began training at the Café, BJ immediately felt a sense of belonging and worked hard to learn and complete every responsibility. Every day he continued proving to the staff and to himself just how capable of an employee he could be. Today, BJ works at a large hotel chain and has shared many exceptional reports. Adds Shari, “The pride on his face and his newfound purpose is all we need to keep us moving forward.”

The effects of the programs and interactions at Two & Company are impactful in so many ways. From first friendships, to meaningful and fulfilling careers opportunities to the regulars who swear by the delicious lattes and infamous tuna melts, grilled cheese and BLT sandwiches, the company you’ll find here is heart-warming. It’s also beyond compare.

Each quarter former graduates are invited back to the Café simply to socialize and catch up with friends, families and the Two & Company team. Derek enjoys hearing what’s going on in their new jobs and in their personal lives. “They came here as job-seekers, then, coworkers,” says Derek, “but they leave as friends.”