Middle of the Road Cafe

06/02/2022

The teachers and students of 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙼𝚒𝚍𝚍𝚕𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚁𝚘𝚊𝚍 𝙲𝚊𝚏𝚎 would like to thank all the parents, staff, and students who have supported us over the years. The students involved in the 𝙲𝚊𝚏𝚎 have touched us in so many ways. The growth, experience, & success of each student was worth every minute. The amount of teamwork that has gone into developing a successful program cannot be easily explained. Thank you to each and every one of you.

It was always the goal to improve the education of all students - to showcase their abilities. The students always came first. It was a place of positivity, family & togetherness. We will truly miss watching the kids grow and improve their skills.

Unfortunately, we have closed.

02/02/2022

Please read....as I couldn't capture this moment on video or even a picture....

Today a high school senior student came into the Cafe. He patiently waited as the job coach prompted the worker to work the cash register. She became a little frustrated with herself. He stood there patiently and said, "I understand how hard it is to work a cash register. It was one of the hardest things I had to learn at my job. It is cool that you can learn this at school."

THIS WAS NOT PLANNED ^^^^

She looked up and smiled and said, "Really?" The next 2-3 minutes they talked while she figured out how to do things. Her smile at the end was priceless! He could have easily walked away with his purchase as he had exact change, but he didn't. The impact he made on this worker is more than he will ever know.

THEN IT GETS BETTER....A story about a different worker..... same HS student....

He then turned to us and said, "I saw L. at Riesbeck's, and I was talking to him. Told him I would see him in the Cafe."

This young man will not understand the impact he had on us. We can all learn through each other, and it reminded us that the Middle of the Road Cafe is making a difference. It makes a difference to so many: the students working, the young customers learning to be patient and accepting of all abilities, and the parents knowing their child is learning in an environment that understands a classroom is not traditional.

To this young man's parents.... well done! Thank you. I hope he shares the story!

To all of our "customers" past, present, and future, "Thank you." We appreciate you!

12/18/2021

Our little Christmas store was an absolute success for many reasons this year! So many young people were excited to buy for their family and friends something small for Christmas! It is always fun to hear their stories and watch their excitement finding something for their mom, dad, grandparent or friend! We had 4 classrooms working hard to work the store which gives opportunities to learn outside the classroom.

I’m sure many parents wondered why they were asking for more money. We can promise, besides the few candy canes they bought, a lot of depth of went into finding the perfect gift…it was worth the $5 they spent….we hope “you love” it as much as loved watching them!

It gets better…
This year, through a generous donation, and the efforts of Mr McKeever almost 60 middle school students were awarded gift certificates to shop at the Middle of the Road Christmas Store.

These children were extra excited to shop for their families and friends! It showed the kindness and love children still have! Nothing was expensive! It was the thought that they put in it that was priceless!

Thank you to everyone from our workers, teachers, anonymous donor, Mr McKeever, & the parents….& we wish each of you a very Merry Christmas! 🎄

11/29/2021

We will soon be going to Feisley’s Tree Farm and cutting down a few trees. They will range from 4 foot to 6ft tall. (Fraser Fir)

If you know anyone who needs a tree or wants a live tree, we can deliver (within a 20 mile radius) Dec 17!

Please share! We want to pay it forward!

11/23/2021

We don’t post on here very often but when we do it brings back memories of how the Middle of the Road Cafe began. The “original” crew who began shopping in Krogers, the administrators and staff who supported us, and parents who thanked us! The “chaos” and “disasters” turned into life lessons for all. We learn, we grow, and we keep trying. These moments are the best stories still today and what the job is all about! Yesterday and today were no different….

History: The Cafe was built for several reasons. A group of us had a vision to teach life skills from cooking to talking to people to being included to so much more. I can’t even believe how many people over the the years have benefitted from this program — students to adults!

Today was our annual Thanksgiving for staff and students! It has grown over the years. We didn’t take as many pictures as we wanted but mainly because we were catching up with people, working hard, enjoying food, and remembering our blessings. Today over 100 staff and students enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving lunch! So much teamwork went into working yesterday and today! Thank you to all!

We aren’t perfect but we are perfect

Happy Thanksgiving!

08/23/2021

We can't wait to celebrate the first day of school with our tradition!

Whether you start on August 23 (last names A-L), August 24 (last names M-Z), or are following the staggered start for Kindergarten and Preschool, we want to see your "First Day of School" photos!

Remember to use the hashtag and email submissions to Cassi Hynes at [email protected]. We will feature student photos on our social media all week!

05/12/2021

Worker Spotlight!
Can’t believe 2021 flew by!

05/11/2021

Senior Spotlight!
Thanks for all your hard work!

05/11/2021

Chicken Panini & Chips! Yum!

05/06/2021

05/06/2021

Teaching some important life skills here in the Cafe! 🤣🤣😜