When you visit Patriot Perk, you’re not just grabbing a great cup of coffee—you’re stepping into a place where joy is served as generously as the java! But there is so much more brewing behind the counter than just delicious drinks!
The student-run coffee stand at Homewood High School began in November 2022. Patriot Perk’s baristas are students with intellectual and developmental disabilities who work the stand as part of Homewood’s Life Skills class. “The vision was to empower students’ abilities by teaching valuable employment and independent living skills,” says Life Skills teacher Bailey Cofield, who has overseen the program since its inception. “And also starting off your Friday with the best cup of coffee around town!”
Patriot Perk opens each Friday—“or FriYAY, as our students call it,” says Bailey, where the student employees get to work the stand and visit with their customers. “They look forward to Patriot Perk all week to be able to interact with their peers and staff around the high school. We have some very loyal customers who have supported us from the start of this journey.”
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Artwork courtesy of Bailey Cofield/Homewood High School
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Artwork courtesy of Bailey Cofield/Homewood High School
In return, school-based employment allows the students to grow their work experience, which can lead to future employment. “We want to help our students grow in their confidence,” says Bailey.
“Employment is one of the biggest barriers our students face after high school. Patriot Perk teaches them valuable work and independent living skills that will take them far beyond the walls of our school.”
She notes that students take their role with Patriot Perk seriously. Come Friday, you can find them behind the counter, helping someone choose a favorite creamer, working the register, and starting a customer’s day with a compliment. “We have seen our students grow in skills that reach beyond the classroom,” says Bailey. “We could not be more proud of them.”