Partnership Produces Premium Fundraiser

Ken Mueller, public relations and development manager at Occupational Development Center (ODC), is just a little biased when he talks about the coffee he and other staff members chose to be ODC's selection from Wanderlust Coffees. "It's just a really good coffee - not too strong, not weak," said Mueller, who now purchases the coffee beans in five-pound bags. "It's the only coffee I drink now. It is so good."

Mueller explained that the coffee is offered through a partnership with Wanderlust, which is run from a roasting facility on North Christian Street in Lancaster, by Timm, Kristina, and Thaniel Wenger. Before COVID-19, Timm was overseeing a business that provided walking tours of ethnic restaurants in the city. "They had to shut (the tours) down due to COVID-19 (restrictions)," recalled Mueller. "They decided to get into coffee roasting, and to partner with area nonprofits," he added, noting that ODC was among the first nonprofits contacted by Wanderlust.

Half a dozen ODC staff members taste-tested three coffee blends provided by Wanderlust. "We chose the one we wanted, and we chose the name," said Mueller. Grounds for Success became Wanderlust's ODC signature coffee. "The idea is that we get a blend that is exclusively ours, and we get 20% of the sales from it." The tagline "It gets the job done." was added to the name.

According to Mueller, Grounds for Success comes in a 12-ounce size, a five-packet gift size, and the five-pound bag he prefers. The coffee also comes in a variety of grinds. Mueller purchases whole beans because he grinds the beans himself, but choices also include coarse for a French press or cold brew, medium-coarse ground, for pour-over or reusable pods, medium for classic drip coffee, and fine for espresso. Several shipping options are available as well. "We have had (client) family members pick it up at ODC," said Mueller. He added that the coffee makes a great gift. "It has a really pleasant smooth taste," he noted.

ODC, located at 640 Martha Ave., Lancaster, has been helping individuals with developmental disabilities gain the skills to do productive work for more than 70 years. Readers who would like to learn more about the center may visit http://www.odcenter.org or call 717-397-4269.

More information about Grounds for Success coffee may be found at https://wanderlustcoffees.com/odc.