Three days a week, The Coffee Nest – a student‑run coffee shop inside Forest Hills Eastern High School – is giving six students on the autism spectrum the chance to develop real‑world job skills. The program, which operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, lets the teens take orders, prepare drinks, handle cash and interact with customers under the guidance of peers and three adult mentors.
Building confidence and independence
Students ranging from ninth to twelfth grade rotate through the shop, learning step‑by‑step tasks that move them from assisted work to independent responsibility. Autistic teacher Stephanie Braun says the first month focused on presentations, videos and hands‑on instruction, followed by detailed task guides and repeated practice. “They’re getting practical job skills, learning multi‑step directions, handling money and developing social confidence,” Braun explained.
Student voices
Barista student Jocelyn Tierney says the experience puts her in a “happy place.” Her favorite drink to make is a mocha, but she adds that the job means more than the beverage itself. “I really like this job,” Tierney said, noting that she also contributed artwork that gives the shop its unique look.
Community partnership
The program was sparked by Braun’s idea to replicate a successful coffee shop at a transition center. After securing a grant in the spring, the school reached out to local roaster Rowster Coffee. Owner Doug Maas and President Nate Murphy responded by donating 500 pounds of coffee beans and offering ongoing support. “Watching them create the coffee, I think this will help them later in life and become valued members of the community,” Maas said.
Future expansion
While the shop currently serves staff, Braun hopes to open it to students soon and eventually expand to the other two autism classrooms at the school. She also sees a pathway for graduates to continue working at the transition center’s coffee shop or find similar employment in the community.
Family support
Tierney closed her interview with a heartfelt message for her parents: “Mom, Dad, if you’re watching this, I just want you to know I love you.” The program’s success highlights how faith‑centered families and local businesses can work together to empower young people with special needs.
The Coffee Nest demonstrates that a simple coffee shop can become a powerful training ground, fostering independence, confidence and a sense of belonging for students who might otherwise face limited employment opportunities.
Original reporting: FOX 17 WXMI Grand Rapids (local) — read the source article.
