Autism Speaks Grantee Recipient Story: ChildServe
Autism Speaks is proud to support community programs that provide people with autism with fulfilling social and educational experiences.
ChildServe improves the health and well-being of 5,800 children each year in Iowa through specialized clinical, home, and community-based programs and services. It received a grant from Autism Speaks to launch a social enterprise called Snack Shack. This is their story.
The ChildServe Snack Shack is a mobile cart full of pre-packaged treats available for purchase in our waiting room. Individuals in our Day Habilitation and Autism Life Skills programs have worked hard to get the cart up and running.
Alongside ChildServe staff, these individuals run the cart while practicing business skills like communication, making transactions, purchasing inventory and restocking.
“The teens and young adults we serve have a lot of enthusiasm for this new project – I love seeing the individuals bond with each other – they are truly a team! It is exciting to see the skills they are learning in a real business-like environment,” said ChildServe Director of Community Services Barb Williams. “They enjoy working together and are very supportive of each other. We have had very positive feedback from staff and Families.”
On a weekly basis, ChildServe’s waiting room can see up to 1,000 individuals visiting our outpatient therapy clinic. The cart is set up two times a week and has become very popular amongst our team and waiting room guests.
Individuals working the cart have enjoyed the opportunity to talk with and meet new ChildServe kids and families. Snack Shack also offers nonfood items such as fidget toys for kids that may not be able to enjoy the snacks offered.
“I have witnessed a lot more engagement among the individuals working the cart. Week after week, the individuals say how much fun they are having,” said ChildServe Occupational Therapist Christine Weiland. “The individuals have demonstrated increased confidence and competence with their skills when interacting with Snack Shack customers. Families have shared with me that their children are ecstatic to come to therapy to participate in Snack Shack.
“The Snack Shack will impact individuals with autism in countless ways by working on several different skills, including social skills with peers or individuals in the community, self-cares needed for a job, sensory regulation, attention to task, sequencing, and money management,” said Weiland. “The teens and young adults gain several skills by working in the Snack Shack that they can use in future jobs, Supported Community Living, vocational rehabilitation, or at school.”
All of the money made goes directly back into restocking supplies and supporting the cart. The individuals we serve are already excited to brainstorm how we can add additions to Snack Shack, like a coffee maker.
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