85 North Cafe might sound similar to other school stores. There is a smell of coffee brewing and the shelves are filled with favorite snacks like chips and candy. But the inside exists to provide a path towards greater independence with on-the-job training experiences for students with disabilities.
Located at the Delaware County Intermediate Unit’s (DCIU) Marple Education Center (MEC), 85 North Cafe is run by students in the life skills program, giving them a sense of pride and purpose, all while serving up special treats.
The MEC in Marple serves students ages five through 21 years of age with special needs throughout Delaware County. They offer specialized classrooms for Autistic Support, Life Skills Support and Multiple Disabilities Support. The cafe at MEC was the idea of the school’s compassionate teachers and designed for high-school-aged students in the life skills program. By working in the cafe, students are able to take the skills they’re learning in the classroom and apply them to real-life scenarios.
MEC teacher Nicole Campbell said that it was thanks to former DCIU teachers and grants including one from the DCIU Education Foundation, that they were able to open 85 North Cafe. It’s also through the support of local businesses that they can offer a variety of items at the cafe. Thanks to the generosity of the Pretzel Factory and The Original Thunderbird here in Broomall, the students can also sell pizza and pretzels to their fellow students and staff. “We’re lucky to have these businesses in our community who are always looking for ways to help our students,” said Nicole.
Nicole, who has taught at MEC for seven years, explained that the hope is the skills they learn at the cafe can help prepare them for when they age out of the program at age 21. “By teaching them important job skills like interacting with customers, exchanging money and restocking goods, we are helping prepare them for whatever direction their lives take,” she said.
Tracey Wise, Program Supervisor for the MEC explained that many of their students’ opportunities can be limited compared to typical children. “The students here are not always taking a traditional path like college or career,” she said. “But whether it’s moving out on their own or being able to do volunteer work, it’s important to get the skills they need to be successful.”
The students working in the cafe each come with their own unique skills and abilities. Staff such as Speech and Occupational Therapists and behavioral supports are there to help the students be successful. “The nice thing is, with the support of our staff, we can give each student individual attention,” said Nicole. “Some students may be working on customer service and communication skills, while others may be trying to improve their math skills.”
For the students who work at 85 North Cafe, it’s more than just serving up chips and soda. “It’s a chance to learn important life skills and increase their potential,” said Nicole. “They make a big impact on me and I know they can make a big impact on our community too.”
For more information about the Delaware County Intermediate Unit visit www.DCIU.org.