About this episode

Dave Fiore interviews Bill Schack about his journey and work empowering people with intellectual disabilities.

Host Dave Fiore speaks with Bill Schack, founder of Inclusion Café and Academy, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering people with intellectual disabilities through job and life skills training. Bill grew up in New Jersey, where early responsibility and exposure to both hard work and opportunity helped form his values. After coming to Florida State University, he built a 20-year career in the restaurant industry, opening stores, leading teams, and learning how to motivate and care for people. Along the way, Bill became deeply involved in this community, helping build and lead the food program at the Kearney Center, serving hundreds of meals a day to people experiencing homelessness. Following a life-altering battle with COVID, Bill returned to his work with a renewed sense of purpose that included serving as a chef with Social Kitchen. He has run for public office, was a longtime Special Olympics volunteer and has been named regional high school golf coach of the year. Bill brings the heart of a servant leader and mentor with the vision to create opportunity and belonging for others. Program Note: Bill started a new job between the time we recorded this episode and its release date…

People in this episode

Host: Dave Fiore

Guest: Bill Schack

Topics covered

• intellectual disabilities
• job training
• community service
• restaurant industry
• servant leadership

Keywords

• Inclusion Café
• job skills
• community service
• COVID recovery
• restaurant career

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Inclusion Café and Academy, Florida State University, Kearney Center, Social Kitchen, Flying Biscuit Café, Special Olympics

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