This WyoGives Day, Cody Pardners Asks You to Pull Up a Chair

What began as a worried couple’s plan for their son has grown into a community-powered training cafe that gives adults with disabilities meaningful work and social connection. Cody Pardners, opened in 2021 by Kathy and Kim Christensen after their son Colin neared high school graduation, operates inside the Cody Library and trains adults with disabilities in real cafe jobs.

The idea sprang from a simple question: how would Colin spend his time after school? With no prior restaurant experience but plenty of determination, the founders launched a cafe focused on skills and inclusion rather than profit. The community responded immediately — an early donor arrived with a $5,000 gift, the Park County Commissioners offered discounted space in the library, and volunteers and supporters rallied to help get the doors open.

From the start the cafe filled a need. Six adults with disabilities were ready to work; seven volunteers arrived to help. Customers quickly embraced the concept, drawn by friendly service and well‑priced, tasty food. Each “Pardner” trains in tasks such as operating the register, meal prep, dishwashing, table service, and running the coffee bar, and staff place each person where they thrive.

Today Cody Pardners trains and employs 16 Pardners, supported by more than 40 volunteers and three paid employees. The cafe serves breakfast and lunch on weekdays and has become a neighborhood hub where repeat customers come for food and connection as much as for coffee.

WYO Gives supports Cody Pardners because the cafe intentionally staffs more people than a typical small business — it is a training program first. The goal is not to maximize profit but to provide education, employment, inclusion and social skill development in a safe, caring environment. Donations help sustain daily operations and fund alternative work opportunities for Pardners who aren’t suited to cafe roles, including craft production, packaging for local businesses, and a new line of Pardner Pet Snacks.

Supporters say the cafe’s success shows how small investments and local partnerships can create lasting opportunities. Cody Pardners continues to expand its enterprises and welcomes community help to develop more meaningful work for these deserving adults.

This July 15 we are participating in WyoGives, and invite you to join in on our mission.

[Community Contributor]

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