District 88 names Shoeless Joe’s and SpringHill Suites as June Business Partners

Business Partner: Shoeless Joe's

Business Partner: SpringHill Suites

During its June 23 meeting, the District 88 Board of Education, along with the administration, named Shoeless Joe’s and SpringHill Suites as Business Partners. The Business Partner program recognizes companies, organizations and individuals for their support in building futures for District 88 students and helping to accomplish the district’s mission and vision.

Shoeless Joe’s and SpringHill Suites are prime examples of companies working with District 88 to achieve its goals. They both serve as vocational sites for the District 88 Transition Program, which helps individuals ages 18 to 21 who have a variety of abilities learn life skills, obtain job training in a community setting and transition to life after District 88.

Joe Macchitelli, owner of Shoeless Joe’s and an alumnus of Addison Trail High School, isn’t just a restaurant owner in the village – he truly wants to be part of the community and give back. As part of that focus, Shoeless Joe’s welcomes District 88 Transition Program students two days a week. Students help prepare the dining room before customers arrive, including taking down all the chairs; setting up condiments; and wiping the tables, chairs and menus. They also enhance their soft skills such as communication, problem solving, time management, quality of work, teamwork and more. It’s the perfect worksite for students who need a less-interactive environment.

Kimberly Nickels, General Manager at SpringHill Suites, and Gina Lopez, Guest Service Representative at SpringHill Suites, also welcome students two days a week. At the hotel, students help with the breakfast dining/buffet area, where they clean up and stock items. They also make sure the hallways on each floor and the gym area are tidy by dusting and vacuuming. They enhance their soft skills as well. It’s the perfect worksite for students who enjoy interacting with others, as they greet guests throughout the hotel.

Thanks to partners like Macchitelli, Nickels and Lopez, the District 88 Transition Program offers students structure and promotes dignity, contribution and inclusion to help build purpose and pride.