The Guild’s new community work partnership with the Revival Café + Kitchen in Cambridge is off to a five-star start.
Since late March, four Guild students have each been working a weekly one-hour shift at the popular restaurant. The students assemble bakery boxes, stock beverage coolers and add the Revival logo to bags and boxes.
“It’s going really well so far,” reports Shawn Massak, The Guild’s employment services manager. “The manager at Revival has nothing but positive things to say about our students.”
The feeling is mutual.
“The people we work with are nice and funny,” explains 19-year-old Guild student “Abby.” “They get so excited when they see us and say, ‘Great, our best workers are here now!’ ”
A job coach from The Guild transports the students to Revival and stays with them during their shifts. Each student is also provided with a visual checklist to help them complete their tasks.
Guild student “Daniel,” who is 21, says, “The people I work with are very patient; no one is rushing me. I do my work, get my job done and feel proud.”
To many students, having a job in the community feels much different than working at The Guild, according to Shawn. Working in the community can also be an important step on the way to securing competitive employment.
“I feel like I’m part of the world when I have a job,” “Abby” says. “I’m happy to have a job and be helping the community.”
Guild students continue to work at other community sites, including the Waverley Oaks Athletic Club in Waltham and Gaining Ground, a non-profit organic farm in Concord. The Guild is continually exploring partnerships with other community businesses and organizations.
At The Guild, the Coffee Shop has developed a devoted clientele of customers seeking coffee, tea or bagels since opening for business on Aug. 27, 2018, and recently enhanced operations to accept credit card payments.
