Every person, every child, is composed of their own unique strengths and abilities. Our World School, a private, nonprofit school for children in grades K–12 who have been diagnosed with special needs, not only recognizes this but strives to create an environment where each child’s individuality enables them to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. By integrating academics with real-life lessons, the school prepares students to enter society after graduation as productive, confident citizens. One way Our World School implements this philosophy is through its OWS Coffee Shop.

Open every Friday morning and catering to both parents and the community, the OWS Coffee Shop “developed as a way to help [the students] work on their social skills as they’re working the coffee shop, as well as their money skills,” said Kimberly Walden, principal of Our World School. “It allows them to work on skills that are outside of the classroom in a more real-life scenario.”

To participate in the coffee shop, high school students must go through an application and interview process that simulates the steps required to secure a job in the “real world.” Once hired, students are divided into two shifts. On the first shift, students gather on Thursday to prepare muffins, brownies, and other baked goods. Then, on Friday morning, the second shift comes in to sell the prepared treats alongside apple juice, orange juice, Coke products, and, of course, drip coffee.

The students’ response? “They love it!” Walden said. With uniforms, traditional clock-in and clock-out procedures, and “payment” in the form of their chosen treats or drinks, “We work to make it mimic a regular job.” The students’ excitement for being productive and contributing to the school is unmistakable. “A lot of our kids come from basically trauma from public school, where they’re not included or accepted,” Walden explained. “So it really gives them a sense of belonging – to help the school as well as themselves and the community.”

The OWS Coffee Shop serves as more than a fun endeavor for the students; it also supports the school’s overarching mission. “It’s about preparing them to be the most productive adults they can be, regardless of whether they are nonverbal or struggle with speech or behavior,” Walden said. “We want to use the abilities they do have to make them productive citizens.”

Whenever you’re near Lake Dow Road, swing by the OWS Coffee Shop – either drive-through or walk-in – for a cup of coffee that offers more than just a caffeine boost.

By Sydney Kate Lewis