By
Erin Coulehan
Photography courtesy of
The El Paso Community Foundation
A little scoop of joy from El Paso is making its way to Austin. Gozo’s Ice Cream, a project of the El Paso Community Foundation dedicated to providing meaningful employment opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), has arrived at the Texas State Capitol. Thanks to Representative Mary González, this mission-driven ice cream is now available in her office, serving up both sweetness and purpose to lawmakers, staff, and visitors.
“At Gozo’s, we believe in the value and potential of adults with IDD and that everyone deserves the opportunity to work, grow, and be part of something bigger,” said Adam Tirres, Program Officer at the El Paso Community Foundation. “We’re thrilled that Rep. González is helping us share our mission – and our delicious ice cream – with leaders and constituents from across Texas.”
But Gozo’s is about more than just ice cream. It’s about inclusion, empowerment, and breaking barriers for people with IDD, a diverse group of conditions that affect cognitive and adaptive functioning. Intellectual and developmental disabilities can include conditions such as Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, and cerebral palsy, among others. These disabilities can impact communication, learning, and daily life skills, but they do not diminish the ability to contribute meaningfully to society.
Despite their potential, adults with IDD often face significant barriers to employment. Many struggle to find work due to misconceptions about their abilities, lack of inclusive hiring practices, and insufficient workplace accommodations. As a result, people with IDD experience disproportionately high unemployment rates, leading to economic insecurity and social isolation. Gozo’s Ice Cream is working to change that.
By providing stable jobs with fair wages – starting at $10 an hour – Gozo’s empowers employees with IDD to build skills, gain independence, and form strong connections within their community. The workplace is designed to be inclusive and supportive, fostering confidence and self-sufficiency. For many employees, Gozo’s is more than a job; it’s a stepping stone to greater opportunities and a testament to what’s possible when inclusion is prioritized.
By bringing Gozo’s to the Capitol, Rep. González is amplifying the importance of businesses that create opportunities for people with IDD. Visitors to her office won’t just enjoy a scoop of high-quality, handcrafted ice cream – they’ll also experience the impact Gozo’s is making in El Paso and beyond.
Destigmatizing IDD and supporting inclusive employment initiatives isn’t just about doing what’s right, it’s about strengthening communities. When workplaces embrace diversity, everyone benefits. A more inclusive workforce promotes creativity, collaboration, and economic growth, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of ability, can participate fully in society.
At its core, Gozo’s is about more than just ice cream. It’s about showing the world the immense value that adults with IDD bring to their communities. It’s about skill development, confidence, and fair wages while ice cream lovers across the state enjoy the sweet taste of Gozo’s local flavors.
