Overland Park non-profit ice cream parlor The Golden Scoop serves sweets and opportunities in equal measure

The Golden Scoop’s new location // Photo by Soffia Hernandez

The Golden Scoop—a locally-owned nonprofit ice cream and coffee shop that employs adults with mental disabilities—is celebrating the grand opening of their second location on W 103 St. in Overland Park.

One “super scooper” who has gained local notoriety as the “Mayor of Leawood,” better known to family as Jack, shares what he loves about working at The Golden Scoop.

Jack “The Mayor of Leawood” and coworker // Photo by Soffia Hernandez

“My favorite part about working here is the atmosphere, the management, and the teammates,” Jack says.  

A patient line of customers awaits—this being a pleasant reprieve from the often chaotic atmosphere witnessed in a fast food joint or cafe. Patrons are greeted with an especially friendly staff and are immediately made to feel welcome with plenty of inclusive signage. At the register, The Golden Scoop even has a braille and large-print menu for those who have vision problems.

I ask to meet more of the employees, and CEO Amber Schreiber goes to grab a young man. A little shy at first, Ethan makes his way over and sits across from me. He shares that he’s new, but despite this, the people are his favorite part about working at the ice cream and coffee shop.

It’s no wonder why—The positive energy is contagious here at the cafe, with every “associate” or “super scooper,” smiling as they move swiftly, all while being gently guided by their managers. This delicate training is not random, either; The University of Kansas and Rockhurst University are both partners with the non-profit business, providing students the opportunity to work alongside those who they will help after graduation.

“A lot of our managers are occupational therapy students, so they’re very passionate about this population,” says Schreiber.

Braille menu at The Golden Scoop // Photo by Soffia Hernandez

Inside The Golden Scoop, a row of happy, smiling faces await behind the ice cream bar, but there is one employee who stands out as he greets incoming customers.

“Hi, I’m Trevor. This used to be a McDonalds,” he says to every person in line. Trevor is met with kindness as everyone smiles and thanks him for the information.

One half of the sibling duo who transformed the former burger joint to The Golden Scoop, Lindsay Krumbholz, shares why the need for businesses like this is significant. The chief mission officer explains the importance of their work, and how it impacts its employees on a daily basis.

“I recently had a parent stop me to talk about her daughter, who’s one of our new associates. The mom said, ‘She’s just beaming every night. She comes home so happy. She loves the friendships she’s made and just the little success stories that she’s had in two months,’” Krumbholz says.

The “little success stories” that Krumbholz is referring to are the subtle behavioral improvements employees are making. As part of their training, the super scoopers are taught life skills, such as strategies to overcome shyness and gain confidence, so that they can better approach incoming business and lead more fulfilling lives.

“Parents really see them coming out of their shells and talking more and wanting to do more, rather than just sitting at home and looking at a screen,” says Krumbholz.

The Golden Scoop offers more for its workers than just its interpersonal training—The soft serve spot also values their employees’ futures. 

After initially breaking ground on The Golden Scoop, the first location’s grand opening was a huge success. Thanks to Kansas City’s love for local businesses, super scoopers made a killing in tips, which was reflected on their first round of paychecks. Unfortunately, this surge of income was so much that their wages surpassed their allotment to receive disability benefits, resulting in steep fines for their families.

The sisters recognized the severity of this issue, and immediately sought a solution.

“Tom Treacy, with the Kansas State Treasurer’s Office, came out and talked about ABLE accounts, which are investment accounts for people with disabilities. 80% of our families didn’t know about ABLE accounts,” says Schreiber. 

 The special investments account allows people with disabilities a chance to not forego their earnings if they surpass income thresholds, and save them for the future instead. The account is critical for those with disabilities, as it better ensures a financial future for those individuals.

As the sisters continue to better the nonprofit, they both have high hopes for the business’s future. With an ever-present need for jobs that provide proper training for disabled individuals, The Golden Scoop continues to have a growing list of applicants; That’s why Krumbholz and Schreiber are planning to expand through wholesale and distribution.

“We’ve been building skills for the last three and a half years. We had 15 associates before hiring for our new location, and now we’re up to 36 associates, and back at a wait list. There is definitely a need for more concepts like this,” says Krumbholz.