Charles R. Drew Transition Center

In the Copy/Print Center, students acquire basic office skills while exhibiting appropriate work habits and behavior. Students are trained to use a variety of machines, equipment and software to complete tasks. Safety training is also provided for each machine before use. Some of the services provided in this program include: copying, printing, laminating, stapling, collating packets, stuffing folders, poster design/print, business card printing, graduation announcements, brochures/flyers, comb binding, basic booklet design/ printing, etc. This program gives the students real world work experience and allows them to complete basic tasks for staff in the building as well as outside sources.

Commercial Foods Work Skills serves as the introduction to the study of the food service industry. Students who enjoy working with food and are willing to study and practice the techniques of culinary will have greater success at employment upon completion. All aspects of the industry and potential careers, equipment use and upkeep, food preparation and service, food storage, ordering and work simplification are covered in this program. Students will receive practical and theoretical experiences so that competence in each area will be obtained. The mission of the Commercial Foods Work Skills Program is to develop students’ competencies and abilities to practice effectively in an entry-level position as a cook, kitchen assistant, or foodservice management trainee with an emphasis of a lifelong continuation of learning.

The “Snack Shop” is operated by students in the Functional Math classes with staff supervision and guidance. The program is designed to prepare individuals with cognitive disabilities for a successful transition from school to the community. The students will have hands-on experiences with counting money, making change, and making purchases while utilizing the school store. They will also acquire employability skills while operating the school store by training as: greeters, security workers, baggers, cashiers, stock attendants, custodians and concession attendants.

The Flowers & More Gift Shop is a work skills program that teaches adult students how to get and maintain a job. In addition, students learnThe Drew Bank is an In-School Banking Program where students can learn and practice real world banking skills. Some of the goals and objectives of the Drew Bank include teaching students how to: identify the steps in opening and maintaining a checking account, fill out deposit and withdrawal slips to make deposits and withdrawals to/from their accounts, keep record of what is in their accounts, identify the advantages of a savings account, recognize, read, and write words related to banking, and develop/increase survival skills. Students use their “Drew Bucks” to maintain their accounts. They have the option to save their “Drew Bucks” for something special (school dance, talent show, other event), or withdraw them to spend in the Drew Boutique or PBIS store.how to create beautiful flower arrangements, candy bouquets and holiday baskets. Our goal is for our students to be able to learn job skills and potentially work in real a flower shop setting, after school completion, while earning an income.

The Drew Boutique is a clothing store and resale shop located inside Charles Drew Transition Center. The boutique is part of the PBIS Initiative. The students earn “Drew Bucks” by being Responsible, Safe & Respectful. Students can then go into the boutique and purchase new or gently used clothing with their “Drew Bucks.” The boutique sells men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, handbags & jewelry. Students also gain work experience in the Drew Boutique. They learn work skills such as greeting, customer service, folding, hanging, sorting, steaming clothes, and how to conduct themselves in a professional manner. The work skills that they learn make them good candidates to go out into the community to participate in the Work-Based Learning Program. The Drew Boutique is partnered with Sum Girls Boutique in Berkley, MI., HIPS Resale Boutique in Clawson, MI., along with other partnerships. The Drew Boutique also receives generous donations from the community, churches & families. Our students enjoy working & shopping in the Drew Boutique.

The Drew Bank is an In-School Banking Program where students can learn and practice real world banking skills. Some of the goals and objectives of the Drew Bank include teaching students how to: identify the steps in opening and maintaining a checking account, fill out deposit and withdrawal slips to make deposits and withdrawals to/from their accounts, keep record of what is in their accounts, identify the advantages of a savings account, recognize, read, and write words related to banking, and develop/increase survival skills. Students use their “Drew Bucks” to maintain their accounts. They have the option to save their “Drew Bucks” for something special (school dance, talent show, other event), or withdraw them to spend in the Drew Boutique or PBIS store.