Savannah, Ga., Jan. 15, 2025 — A warm cup of coffee and a hug can go a long way to improve someone’s day.
That’s what Georgia Ports employees discovered as the port’s administrative lobby in Garden City was transformed into a bustling coffee café thanks to Java Joy.
The program is part of non-profit esp, (Extra Special People, Inc.), created nine years ago to provide meaningful employment for adults with disabilities while offering one-of-a-kind opportunities for community engagement.
“To see everyone here, coming together with a smile on their faces, it really makes our day special,” Georgia Ports Chief Administrative Officer Jamie McCurry shared.
“Georgia Ports is proud to support this growing program which does a lot of good across the Peach State,” McCurry added.
A group of cheerful “Joyristas” attended a large coffee cart, greeting Georgia Ports employees and offering a signature roast or a sweet cup of hot cocoa.
Nearby, another greeter offered hugs as employees exited the beverage line, sending each off with a new connection to the special group, which Georgia Ports made a contribution to help establish a Savannah location.
“This is what it’s all about,” CEO of esp and Co-founder of Java Joy Laura Hope Whitaker said. “We’re passionate about bringing people together to create experiences of true joy between people of all abilities.”
Java Joy has grown is footprint across Georgia, hosting events in Atlanta, Rome, Athens and now Savannah as the group branches out and adds more “Joyristas” to its ranks.
Founded in 1986, esp has grown from an original 21-person summer camp to now serve more than 1,200 families over 30 counties in Georgia and out-of-state through wrap-around programs and services.
As a program of esp, Java Joy is able to not only provide Joyristas with employment but also provides a community of support that enriches their lives through annual programs.
Discover more about Java Joy and esp by visiting www.javajoy.org
About Georgia Ports
Georgia’s ports and inland terminals support more than 561,000 jobs throughout the state annually, contributing $33 billion in income, $140 billion in revenue and $3.8 billion in state and local taxes to Georgia’s economy. GPA anticipates investing $4.2 billion in the next ten years as part of its port master plan to expand cargo handling capabilities to support future supply chain requirements. As part of GPA’s community engagement efforts, $6 million will be donated to communities located near the Port of Savannah to support a multi-year, local workforce housing initiative. CNBC ranked Georgia #1 in the U.S. for infrastructure in America’s Top States for Business in 2024. Area Development – a site selection news outlet for the U.S., has ranked Georgia as the Top State to Do Business for 11 consecutive years. For further information, visit gaports.com or contact Tom Boyd, Chief Communications Officer, [email protected] 912-964-3884.