The Wonderful World Cafe!

Funded Nov 29, 2023

To begin, all the students and I would like to thank you for the opportunity you have given us to gain new skills and grow as a classroom. Our project began with an idea to help our students with autism practice social skills that they can benefit from in the real world, like having a job. Our coffee shop project, which was possible thanks to your contributions, provided just that. The students have been able to not only learn how to make coffee but also understand the transaction of goods (making a coffee to receive money in return). Students have also been able to deliver the coffee orders to teachers and collect funds, increasing their interactions with other grown-ups.

It has been a memorable experience seeing our students get excited to put on the coffee shop apron and deliver orders. One of our students has even remembered all the prices of the coffees, teas, and pastries. He is excellent at charging. "It's two dollars please," while he hasn't even handed them the coffee has been one of the many highlights of this experience. Other students enjoy pushing the pastries cart and knocking at the teachers' doors. The smile on their face when they say "Your order is ready" is priceless. In delivering coffee and collecting funds, our students have also increased their understanding of money (the value of bills and coins). It has been amazing seeing our students grow in confidence (as they push the cart and deliver orders), awareness (walking down the halls of the school), social skills (communicating well with others), and math skills.

This project has not only provided the students with the opportunity to experience what having a job is like, it has also built their social and communication skills. Our students have had so much fun doing this project. Thank you for allowing our students to go beyond curriculum learning. It is important that students who have autism practice the ability to establish proper social interactions with others. This project has had many benefits for our students and will continue to provide tremendous benefits that they can carry with them in the future. From our students and us, thank you.”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Cervantes