Mother and daughter running company to employ adults with intellectual, developmental disabilities

A few years ago, Gabi Angelini had a hard time finding a job after high school.

Angelini has special needs, and roughly 80% of adults with disabilities are unemployed.

She didn’t let that stop her and started her own business with her mother for people, like herself, with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Together, they run Gabi’s, which provides workforce training, education, and other support programs to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to help them secure employment, contribute to society, and live a purposeful, rewarding life.

Gabi’s Pals has over 40 employees with special abilities who help with packaging, assembling, and shipping for various companies.

“It is heartbreaking listening to our employees,” Mary Angelini, Gabi’s mother, said. “Some they if they were not employed, they will be sitting at home with nothing to do.”

Gabi said it’s rewarding helping people like her.

“It is fun and I love helping friends,” she said.

On Friday, they’re hosting Gabi’s Ghostly Gala at the Royal Banquet and Conference Center at 7 p.m. The Gala’s mission is to raise money to employ more adults with special needs.

Tickets for the gala may be purchased at the door. There will be music, food, prizes and a silent auction during the gala.