Cape district community champions recognized

All Saints’ and St. George's Parish Thrift Shop and Outback Steakhouse were named Cape Community Champions at the March 23 Cape Henlopen school board meeting.

Board President Alison Myers said the Cape High Functional Special Education program recently partnered with All Saints’ and St. George's Parish Thrift Shop, where students help organize and sort donations and perform light custodial tasks. 

Store manager Joanna Carty said she is thrilled to have Cape students working at the shop.

“They bring in joy, laughter, they work hard and they have fun while they’re doing it,” Carty said. “And that is so important. It just hasn't touched me, but it's touched our volunteers and staff.”

Sussex Consortium’s partnership with Outback Steakhouse began more than 20 years ago, Myers said, when current board member Jason Bradley was the restaurant general manager. 

Outback Steakhouse is the first job many students have, Myers said, and provides an occupational foundation for future success. 

Four days a week, five to seven students work in the restaurant before it opens, which is helpful for students who have difficulty with noise or distractions from outside influences, Myers said. Duties include vacuuming, wiping counters and windows, and setting tables. 

Cape Superintendent Bob Fulton said it means a lot to have community groups and businesses who help district students.

“We’re all better for it,” Fulton said.