July 24, 2023: Enjoy some babka this morning from Rising Above Bakery in Nyack, NY — their team is helping autistic young adults have the time of their lives
Monday Magic from Inkandescent® PR + Publishing Co. — It’s an honor to be connected to the leaders of Rising Above Bakery, who are on a mission to help develop independent, empowered bakers who possess the skills and self-confidence needed to live independent, fulfilling lives.
“Getting up each morning motivated to start the day and go to work, meet people, and participate in social interactions in an inclusive environment is our goal,” insists founder Shiri Reuveni-Ullrich, a speech therapist and an avid baker, who noticed the dramatic effect that baking cookies had on her nonverbal, autistic young adult students. “We aspire to achieve this while building a self-sustaining business that is a valued member of its local community.” The kitchen filled with chatter, singing, laughter, and conversation as students became more comfortable with the work. At that moment, she knew that a bakery must be created to help individuals with disabilities find their voice and live meaningful, independent lives.
Shiri says Rising Above Bakery is central to multiple overlapping communities: Our bakers-in-training and their families, customers, storefront friends, and neighbors.
- The bakers we train are united by their life-affirming, confidence-building work experience that can open a path to a meaningful, productive life.
- Our customers share their enjoyment of our delicious, hand-crafted baked goods and the knowledge that each item they purchase has given an individual the opportunity to practice the craft of baking.
- Our neighbors are the ones who make us a real community!
The bakery is currently based at Rockland Community College, which provides the nonprofit with a commercial kitchen and storefront in the heart of Nyack, NY. But the organization is looking for a permanent home.
“This will mean that Rising Above can do more of everything you love,” says Shiri, who plans to take on more bakers and produce more bread and baked goods. “Then, we can finally invite the community to purchase our baked goods and say hi.”
If you, or someone you know, can help Shiri secure a storefront location, please let her know: shiri@risingabovebakery.org.
Learn more at risingabovebakery.org.
Read about five other nonprofits making strides and changing lives in the Summer 2023 issue of our health & wellness business magazine: BeInkandescent.com.
Until next Monday: May your heart and belly be full of love, joy, caring, and sharing. — Hope Katz Gibbs, founder and president, Inkandescent® Inc. Inkandescent.us
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