Community Involvement

Flex Farm

Students in the Cardinal Works program participate in Ohio's farm to school initiative by growing lettuce and a variety of fresh herbs for the High School Cafe. There are two free standing hydroponic farms housed in the Paradigm. Here students plant, manage nutrients & pH water levels, and harvest a variety of produce that is then used in our school lunches.

Bake Sale

Students in the Cardinal Works program bake, package & sell a variety of baked goods that are then sold at the Mentor Municipal Center near the clock tower. Students practice using the square point of sale system, cashier/money skills, and experience communicating with new members of the community. Proceeds are used to assist in the continuation of the project. Bake sales are held most Fridays from 9:30-11:00.

Mentor Food Market

Mentor Schools collaborates with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, United Way Lake County, The City of Mentor, and Heinens to distribute fresh produce to community members in need. The Cardinal Works students volunteer once a month to help distribute the food to the community. The job tasks include unpacking food pallets, sorting and organizing the food, and packaging the food into boxes.

Mentor Municipal Court Bake Sale

Community Work Partners

In addition to our in-school sites, The adult Cardinal Works students attend community job sites daily. We have partnerships in 5 career pathways: manufacturing, retail, custodial, healthcare, and food service/hospitality. We are preparing our students with work experiences in an authentic setting to better prepare them for life after high school. Thank you to our incredible community partners:

CVS
Grace Church
Habco Tool
Lake County Council on Aging- Meals on Wheels
Life Point Church
Mentor Municipal Center
Mentor Ridge Rehabilitation Center
Smoothie King
Unique Like Me
University Hospital
Verstic Inc.