The Adult Extensive Needs program at Gridley High School assists individuals with disabilities transition into the adult world.

 

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – Gridley Unified School District has multiple programs that facilitate the needs of their students, and when the time comes, the needs of those who aren’t students anymore. Most notably the Adult Extensive Needs program, which is currently housed at the Gridley High School campus and assists individuals with disabilities transition into the adult world.

This program is relatively new to the district and serves to expose participants to hands-on experience in the hopes that they are more prepared when they encounter tasks while a part of working society.

“The program helps our students with special needs learn job related skills and develop communications skills based in customer service and the work industry,” said Gridley High School Principal Rikki-Lee Burresch. “The goal is to develop job skills for life after high school.”

Bulldog Brews is the Adult Extensive Needs-run coffee shop at the Gridley High School campus that helps program participants hone a few of those skills needed for success.

Each week instructor Jessica Paiva provides an order form to staff members with the current menu and Bulldog Brews offerings. The menu varies based on “customer” feedback and helps students learn new recipes as they create and fille each order.

Bulldog Brews staff work out of a room in the Guardian Building in which they decorate and set up to reflect the atmosphere of a coffee shop. 

Bulldog Brews staff work out of a room in the Guardian Building in which they decorate and set up to reflect the atmosphere of a coffee shop, with tables, barista area and even a greeter. Bulldog Brews staff handle everything from preparing the order to managing the cash box, taking tender and serving customers.

“If a person is unable to pick up their order, the Bulldog Brew staff has been known to go the extra mile and deliver their drink,” said Burresch.

The Gridley Herald happened to run into the Bulldog Brews staff doing just this, delivering multiple orders to staffers before the holiday break.

The group smiled excitedly, careful with their cargo and went on their way to deliver while the coffee was still hot.

Proceeds generated from the coffee sales at Bulldog Brew return to the program and help fund the purchase of additional supplies.