Beaumont, CA – The awakening aroma of freshly brewed coffee and pumpkin spice swirled through the cool fall air at the grand opening of the “Beaumont Bean,” a new coffee shop at the Beaumont Adult School.
The Beaumont Bean is run by adult students with various learning and/or physical disabilities with the instructional guidance of friendly Adult Transition Program staff. The coffee shop was launched by the program's teacher, Holly Jenkins and with the financial assistance of a BEST Foundation grant. Jenkins explained that all sales “go back into the coffee shop to keep the coffee shop running. Anything extra goes to field trips, an end of the year party, or anything that this student body needs for the 24-25 school year.”
While the coffee shop is not open to the public, the coffee shop does serve the school’s other students who are enrolled in a multitude of other programs, including Vocational Nursing, English-language courses, and the High School Equivalency program. Neighboring employees at the San Gorgonio Middle School also frequently place orders for a morning pick-me-up.
“The coffee shop has helped students with disabilities grow so much because they are able to take orders and talk to customers,” explained Kang Yang, a Health Instructional Aid who is one of the staff members who assists with the program. Students also learn practical math skills by making the correct change for cash payments under the patient and encouraging support of Ramzi Sunna, a continuous roving substitute teacher.
“When I turn 22, I will try to get a job at Starbucks or anywhere that will keep me in charge of coffee and stuff,” said Marissa Segovia, a student enrolled in the program. Throughout the busy grand opening, Segovia was darting throughout the kitchen, turning the customers morning into blissful sips of cappuccino.
By Thomas Guzowski