We’re excited to announce that the Snack Shack is officially open for business in the lobby of the West Shore Community College / Michigan Works building on River Street in Manistee! This student-run initiative is part of the Manistee ISD Older-MOCI's TCLE Transition Program and offers more than just convenient snacks — it provides meaningful, real-world learning opportunities for young adults in our community.
The Manistee ISD MOCI Transition Program supports students ages 18–26 with moderate cognitive impairments as they prepare for life after high school. Through a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on community experiences, students build essential skills in independent living, communication, and workplace readiness. The Snack Shack is one of the many ways students apply these skills in a real-world setting, gaining confidence while engaging with community members in a positive and supportive environment.
Through the Snack Shack, students learn basic business and marketing skills that are directly transferable to future employment. This includes taking inventory, restocking displays, organizing products, and creating seasonal décor and themed displays to keep the space inviting and engaging. Students also develop a sense of ownership and pride in their work as they see how presentation, organization, and consistency impact customer experience.
Beyond business skills, the Snack Shack supports growth in community and life skills. Students practice communication and customer interaction, learn how to navigate public buildings, follow routines and schedules, and build confidence being visible and active members of the community. These experiences help students feel more comfortable and capable in community settings, strengthening their independence and sense of belonging.
By operating the Snack Shack, students also practice teamwork, responsibility, and accountability. Alongside their Community Coach, students participate in weekly inventory and restocking, reinforcing planning, organization, and follow-through — all key habits for workplace success.
To make purchases quick and convenient, the Snack Shack operates as a cashless system. Customers can simply scan a QR code to pay with a credit or debit card using Square. This not only streamlines transactions, but also provides students with experience using modern point-of-sale technology commonly used in today’s workplaces.
We would like to extend a huge thank you to our generous sponsors who helped make the Snack Shack possible: Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, West Shore Community College, Munson Healthcare, and West Shore Bank. Their support reflects the power of community partnerships and a shared commitment to creating inclusive, meaningful opportunities for young adults with disabilities in Manistee County.
If you’re visiting the West Shore Community College / Michigan Works building, we invite you to stop by the Snack Shack, grab a snack, and support our students. Every purchase helps foster confidence, independence, and connection — and shows our students that their work is valued by the community they are a part of.
Together, we’re building pathways to belonging, opportunity, and lifelong success.