Some classrooms don’t have desks; Habitat interns learn life lessons while raising money for affordable housing

What started with a cup of iced coffee ended with lessons that will last a lifetime. Bean Boutique, a student-run business founded by interns at Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH), has become a hands-on classroom in entrepreneurship, marketing, and teamwork while raising thousands of dollars to support affordable homeownership.

Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity Marketing Interns Yandel Alameda (left) and Nate Shlosser stand at their in-school coffee shop, Bean Boutique, in Chicopee.

In spring 2025, the interns were challenged to raise at least $1,500 through Bean Boutique to qualify for a $2,000 State Farm/Habitat for Humanity International Youth Matching Grant. The challenge gave the students an opportunity to put classroom lessons into practice while supporting GSHFH’s mission. They surpassed their goal just four months later and finished the grant period having raised $2,281.

“I’m very grateful,” said Yandel Alameda, GSHFH intern and a senior at Springdale Education Center (SEC) in Chicopee. “It was the smartest thing we’ve ever done. We are giving families light and helping them achieve their homeownership dreams.”

The grant encourages youth leaders to engage in a community project that supports local affordable housing efforts, which is exactly the goal of Bean Boutique.

“We loved the students’ proposal and enthusiasm the students had for the project,” said Aimee Giroux, Greater Springfield Habitat executive director.

The idea for an iced coffee shop came from former GSHFH intern Dakota Wirf in summer 2024. Dakota then presented the idea to Jill Brewer, director of Education for Positive Regard Network, who approved the concept.

“It was a hot summer day and I was outside at Habitat with Nate (Shlosser) and just asked ‘Why don’t we sell iced coffee?’” said Dakota. “At school, we saw staff with coffee and they had to go to Dunkin’ Donuts to get it. But, if they got coffee at work, they could step out for a minute and still help Habitat.”

Dakota, Nate, and Yandel quickly turned their idea into a business. They created the name “Bean Boutique,” a marketing guide — including logo, branding colors, and fonts — and a plan to get the word out. They designed flyers to be distributed in the school, drafted morning announcements to be read over the intercom, plus budgeted and shopped for supplies. Bean Boutique opened its doors to teachers and administrators at both SEC and its neighboring Center for School Crisis Intervention and Assessment in December 2024, just weeks before Christmas. Before the grant period even began, Bean Boutique had already raised $1,200.

“Bean Boutique has taught us business skills, like advertising and marketing,” said Nate. “People at SEC and Center School now know about Habitat and what it does. Our flyers were a big part of that.”

In an effort to keep Bean Boutique profitable and fresh, the interns brainstormed other drinks to sell, including hot chocolate, apple cider, lemonade, and a non-alcoholic twist on dirty sodas. Nate and Yandel also created a campaign around the “Refined Pour.” They welcomed ideas from peers, such as boba tea, which came from an elementary student at Center School. Later, they publicly recognized him and thanked him for his suggestion.

“They didn’t just create a coffee shop,” said Jill. “They created a space that brings people together, teaches real-life skills, and makes a powerful difference in the community. Their passion, drive, and heart have turned a simple idea into something powerful.”

Beyond Bean Boutique’s fundraising success, Yandel and Nate said Habitat has helped them as much as they have helped others.

“It’s the best thing that has ever happened to me,” Yandel said. After graduation in June 2027, he said he’d like to join the military. Today, Yandel oversees marketing for a business he and his brother started together, and has designed the company’s logo. “It changed my mindset. I only saw my life in the streets.”

Nate agreed.

“Habitat is amazing. It keeps me out of trouble. It keeps me focused,” he said. “Before Habitat, I didn’t see my life going anywhere.” Nate said when he graduates next June, he’s exploring three plans — enlisting in the military, attending college, or becoming a truck driver.