The Snack Shack, an onsite convenience store at Quest’s Training Centers and Quest Kids Academy, helps individuals with developmental disabilities practice life skills that foster independence.
A Brief History of the Snack Shack at Quest’s Training Centers
Launched over eight years ago, the Snack Shack started at the training centers as a pre-vocational training tool. Participants learned skills in customer service, cash register operations and shelf stocking through simulated interactions. It has since transformed into a real-world training ground for competitive employment in a safe and monitored environment.
“What started as just sodas and bags of chips for sale quickly grew to have a full array of snacks, beverages and basic food service,” says Quest’s Chief Operating Officer Brooke Eakins. “We can teach the individuals who work in the Snack Shack skills while also training people who are there as customers.”
Creating a Curriculum for Success
As the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Frances Torres creates Snack Shack’s curriculum. Her goal is to familiarize participants with product availability and cost to emphasize financial literacy and real-world applications.
“We use resources like response cards to make learning interactive. For example, when I hold up a bag of chips, learners can quickly identify the price by flipping their cards. Once they grasp the cost of individual items, we build on that foundation to calculate grand totals,” Frances says.
Over time, these lessons help individuals create a budget for business and personal finances. They use this newfound confidence to manage expenses when buying inventory or when calculating their available shopping funds at the Snack Shack throughout the week.
The Snack Shack at Quest Kids Academy
Inspired by the success at the Training Center in Apopka, Frances implemented a Snack Shack at Quest Kids Academy for students in Quest for Living, a life and employment readiness program.
“We started with just a cart they rolled into different classrooms, and then the following year, we had our area set up with a schedule, store hours and positions,” Frances says. “Last year, students studying for cooking certifications even contributed hot menu items, further expanding their practical experience, which was exciting.”
Frances Torres overseeing a student at Quest Kids Academy operating the Snack Shack cart.
Now thanks to a generous grant from the FAIRWINDS Foundation, the Snack Shack has transformed into an exciting hub of expanded opportunities for students. They can take on diverse positions that include shift manager, inventory specialist, marketing specialist, accounting specialist and sales representative. This evolution allows students to explore various aspects of running a business and build independence by taking ownership of their responsibilities.
Additionally, students will have the chance to unleash their creativity by designing original t-shirts for sale at the Snack Shack. This initiative empowers them to develop a comprehensive business plan, set goals, identify their target market, determinepricing, craft a financial strategy and plan for production. The grant has significantly enhanced the Snack Shack experience, providing students with essential skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
The Grand Reopening of the Snack Shack in Tampa
The Snack Shack at Quest’s Training Center in Tampa recently reopened after closing due to the pandemic. Program Director Nicole “Nicci” Lam recognized the importance of reviving this initiative as many individuals have occupational, money management or appropriate social behavior goals.
She emphasizes the significance of teaching financial awareness since it is not always a concept the individuals Quest serves can quickly grasp.
“Unfortunately, many of the individuals we serve can be taken advantage of financially, so we always talk to them about financial abuse. [The Snack Shack] puts it into a visual and real-life scenario and helps them with appropriate social behavior onsite and in the community.”
Looking ahead, Nicci is working with Frances to design a structured work experience within Snack Shack that includes applications, interviews and positions tailored to clients’ evolving goals. Through these encounters, staff can identify solutions to challenges related to community safety and successful employment.
Get Involved and Make a Difference
The Snack Shack is an enriching experience for all participants. Whether working at the store or shopping as a customer, they gain valuable competencies that lay the groundwork for a fulfilling life.
If you’d like to learn about how you can engage with Quest’s mission and make a difference, visit Get Involved – Quest, Inc.