Snack Kiosk Provides Opportunity
Pictured left to right: Lisa J., Harry H. (seated), Michael Z., Jim H.,
Christine S. (seated), Ross E., and David L. (seated).
Photo by: Missy Rufo
Before moving into our new building in September 2009, FHR PA looked for a method to make snacks and beverages available to visitors and employees. It occurred to Janet Stanley, PA Regional Director, that there was an opportunity to establish a Kiosk in the lobby of our new space and staff it with participants of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Service (PRS) program.
Under the direction of Missy Rufo, Director of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, and staff, PRS participants began staffing the Kiosk Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. This offered the opportunity for them to learn pre-vocational skills while improving socialization skills. Prospective customers are greeted with a smile and hello and are invited to browse the selection of pre-packaged snacks and drinks. PRS consumers have enjoyed taking part in this project and staff have seen several people take on leadership and management roles in the Kiosk.
Profits raised from the Kiosk support Psychiatric Rehabilitation Service projects. Presently, the Kiosk project has a 125% profit. We hope to see this continue and grow.
As the program participants become more proficient in this small business enterprise, the better positioned they will be to enter the community and find a job. The Kiosk project helps participants improve:
• Social skills including communication and community participation, self maintenance skills such as shopping and budgeting
• Pre-vocational skills such as how to greet customers and provide good customer service
• Small business enterprise skills including maintaining inventory, pricing, cashiering skills, stocking, and tallying end of the day sales.
The greatest benefit of the Kiosk project is giving the PRS consumers the opportunity to have greater ownership in their recovery. FHR PA has seen this project give many people increased confidence and improved social and communication skills, as well as it being a stepping stone to getting back into work settings in their own communities.
(Picture taken by Missy Rufo)