WESTBOROUGH – Step into the BORO Sugar Shack at 15 East Main St., and you feel like a kid in a candy store.
However, it’s more than a place to satisfy your sweet tooth.
The Sugar Shack is the vocational training program for the Bridging Over to Right Opportunities Program (BORO), the adult transition program for Westborough Public Schools. Here, special education students ages 18 to 22 learn skills they can use in the workforce, such as communication, task performance, financial literacy and workplace safety and culture.
They also learn life skills such as grocery shopping and taking public transportation.
“I love our BORO Program. It is a program that I feel honors our value of believing that all students who live in Westborough should be able to access a meaningful and appropriate education in their home community,” said Superintendent Amber Bock. “For young adults [age 18 to 22], it is really meaningful to be able to develop job and life skills within their town near friends and family where they have strong networks.
“I also love that we have developed a vibrant business right in the downtown. We are thriving. We host events as well as sell amazing candies and gifts.”
“We’re fortunate to have such a location,” said Erin LaPrad, BORO program director.
Take a tour
LaPrad recently conducted a tour of the facilities.
In the BORO Program half of the building, a one-time paint store has been converted into a social area where program participants and the community can hold a variety of programs, from Santa visits to karaoke night to gingerbread house decorating classes.
“It’s a nice space to have the community in,” said LaPrad.
Just beyond is a classroom space where the students learn various skills, and a “zen den” quiet space where students and staff can take a break.
Next stop – a combination storage space and full kitchen, washer and dryer, and this is where the BORO students become entrepreneurs and makers of fudge.
“We produce our own fudge, from start to finish,” said LaPrad.
The students recently began making the sweet stuff, and offer a variety of flavors, from milk chocolate to peanut butter. It’s quickly become one of the most popular items in the Sugar Shack.
“They’re really happy to be able to do this,” said LaPrad.
One of the first people to make fudge was a student named Lydia.
“I love it here,” said Lydia.
From the back space, visitors come to the Sugar Shack itself, filled from top to bottom with the delicious and delectable, from name-brand sweets to truffles. There’s also a selection of nut-free and allergy-friendly candy.
“It’s such a bright, fun place,” said LaPrad.
“This is fun. It’s fresh and exciting,” said store manager Kristen Dadah, who worked at Hebert Candies for seven years. “Candy associates with so many memories.”
Proceeds from the sales at the shack go back to the program. LaPrad said the goal is to become self-sustaining.
Donations are a big plus; recently, Jersey Mike’s sub shop gave the BORO Program $1,000 from its grand opening fundraiser.
More than sweets
The students and staff in the BORO Program know they’re doing more than making and selling candy – they’re creating a recipe for success once the students “age out” of the program.
“It’s running good,” said Angelina McCarthy, who’s in her second year as BORO Program teacher. “I’m developing curriculum, [planning] social outings, developing internship sites, helping with transition planning and planning for their future.”
One recent BORO graduate now works at Lowe’s (“He wanted to be a carpenter … it’s work where they want to work,” said McCarthy), while another is working at Landry’s Bicycles.
There are also two interns at the YMCA’s Boros Family Branch in Westborough.
“It’s important because adults with special abilities get skills in their hometown,” said Sherrie Stevens, director of student services for WPS.
Stevens has been involved with the BORO Program since its inception.
“Amber and I worked with the town, garnered their support. I’m really appreciative,” she said.
Lots of support
The BORO Program started in the spring of 2018, with the Sugar Shack starting that November.
In March 2020, the shack underwent a big test. It had assembled Easter baskets when the pandemic hit. Thanks to community support, along with Google forms and curbside service, the shack got through it okay.
“We did better during COVID,” said LaPrad. “We had so much community support.”
“It’s been such a sweet success all around,” said Stevens.
LaPrad said they’ve been getting calls from around the country about the BORO Program, and local districts have voiced their interest in adopting a similar program.
“I’ve visited many, many times. I applaud Westborough for supporting this program,” said state Rep. Hannah Kane, R-Shrewsbury, who helped obtain state funding to get the program under way.
For information about the BORO Sugar Shack, including current hours, visit borosugarshack.com or its Facebook page.
For information about the BORO Program, call 508-523-0169 or visit bit.ly/BOROProgram.