Real-World Experiences in PREP

A productive part of the BHS PREP program is the students' real-world interactions with the public as they run their store full of handmade items and provide weekly snack carts offering items to Booth Center staff. 

Every week, PREP students push their snack cart through the halls of Booth Center. On Wednesdays, students sell a variety of snacks; on Tuesdays, they offer complimentary Michigan-made coffee; and on Thursdays they provide complimentary popcorn. Responsibilities include stocking, shopping, handling cash transitions, managing an IOU system (which requires diligent follow up), and tracking monthly spending. They also keep track of weekly specials as new items are added regularly.

At the end of the year, PREP students each get a portion of the snack proceeds to spend on items of their choice; past purchases have included books, DVDs, and clothing. The complimentary items are a way to say thank you to Booth Center staff for their ongoing kindness, support, and encouragement as students explore new ideas, practice skills, and reinforce the importance of making meaningful connections with people. 

The PREP store at Booth is open during class times for public purchases. Interested customers can also email PREP teachers Russ McCall (rmccall@bloomfield.org) or Meghan Gornick (mgornick@bloomfield.org) with requests and inquiries. Students not only make the items, they also run the cash register and interact with customers. Items for sale vary by season but can include pillows, cutting boards, holiday items, garden stakes, pet products, and puppets. 

The student’s favorite part of these activities is interacting with customers and Booth staff. Gornick notes, “The students are so proud of the work they do. It’s a win for skills, confidence, and community.” PREP student Michael Woolweaver likes handing out the popcorn and knows the staff is happy to see the cart and students. Woolweaver wears a nametag and enjoys it when people use his name. When asked about pushing the cart by himself through the building, Woolweaver enthusiastically said, “Oh yes, I did, super fast!”