About Us
Our mission is to providing purpose, productivity and skills for adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities. We do this in such a way that the full person is supported.
How Peter’s Pit Stop got started:
Peter started working at Bitty and Beau's coffee shop in downtown Charleston, SC when they first opened and loved it. But he was laid off when Covid hit. Mark looked for a job for Peter in the area but no one was hiring. As Mark and Julie prayed about a job for Peter the idea hit them to have Peter serve coffee to the local neighbors. They asked the neighbors on Facebook if they would be supportive and they overwhelmingly said they would and have been! Peter's Pit Stop started out of the garage in January 2021. Mark, Julie, and Katilynn realize that there are many more individuals who do not have a job, and the desire to grow Peter's Pit Stop to a "brick and mortar" store officially started in March 2022. Now efforts to locate the perfect place and financial funding are fully underway. Peter's Pit Stop is an official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We are looking forward to employing 10-15 individuals with disabilities, serving the local community, and providing a community for all. Stay tuned for exciting next steps!
Board of Directors
MARK GAKING - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Mark Gaking, co-founder of Peter's Pit Stop enjoys helping individuals with disabilities find their purpose in life. Mark and Julie live in Summerville, SC, previously lived in Mount Pleasant, SC. Mark loves facilitating prayer communities and serving his local church. When not serving at Peter's Pit Stop, Mark loves reading, biking, time with family, travel, beach time and sipping a craft cup of coffee.
Katilynn Allan
Katilynn discovered her passion for partnering with those with special needs while serving in the special needs ministry at her church. Originally from Richmond, Virginia, she moved to Charleston in 2016 for her job working in corporate finance for a specialty chemical manufacturing company in North Charleston. When not working, Katilynn enjoys traveling, hiking, trying new recipes, and sipping on a cup of good coffee.
JULIE GAKING
Julie Gaking, co-founder of Peter's Pit Stop has long had a passion for serving, educating, and supporting individuals with disabilities. She works to see that individuals with special needs use their strengths and abilities to serve the community and fulfill their purpose in life. She is the mother of three, including Peter, grandmother of two grandsons. When not serving at Peter's Pit Stop, Julie loves to gardening, beekeeping, baking bread, and facilitating women's prayer communities.
MEET THE TEAM
PETER GAKING
Peter, who loves to work, gets up eagerly each morning to prepare, serve and close down Peter's Pit Stop. Peter may not say a lot, but he beams inside with joy while serving his community. When not working, he loves to go bike riding, listen to country music, play games and do any fun activity.
Our Story
