A few of the HotPods that the new nonprofit, the Butler Coffee Lab, will offer are pictured above. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

On Thursday, we learned about the new Butler Coffee Lab at 113 E. Cunningham St., operated by Terry Kaiserman and Nadine Tripodi.

The Butler Coffee Lab serves as a manufacturing facility for HotPods — a single-brew pod similar to Keurig K-Cups — for a wide variety of coffee and other drink recipes.

The nonprofit sells 36 flavors, some including honey or cinnamon.

The HotPods can be purchased in person from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays or at butlercoffeelab.com.

Perhaps the most notable aspect of the new business is Kaiserman and Tripodi’s effort to create opportunities to give people with disabilities the chance to work, gain workplace experience and knowledge and make their own money.

“We thought we would take this opportunity to try to help the disabled community to find a space to work, earn money and be able to have some camaraderie (and) pride in manufacturing a product,” Kaiserman said. “Whatever profits we have we will donate back into that same community.”

Creating equal opportunities for everyone is what America is all about. It’s vital that everyone have a shot at securing a job that also pays a livable wage.

Butler Coffee Lab made their first appearance at Butler Art Center’s reopening March 24-25, during which four people with disabilities approached Kaiserman and Tripodi and asked for jobs.

We love seeing new businesses and nonprofits in Butler County. It showcases a work ethic we pride ourselves on and a commitment to community — with the Butler Coffee Lab being one of the latest shining examples.

We commend Kaiserman and Tripodi on their work and hope the employees they bring in enjoy their new positions.

Why not try out the Butler Coffee Lab? With such a wide variety, you’re bound to find something you enjoy.

— CM