Shining a Light on Sunflower Bakery Presented by Bus 52
by
Chantai Snellgrove 
Print This Article
A special thanks goes to Bus 52 for sharing this inspiring video with us.
[Source: Bus 52]
Sunflower Bakery’s tagline is ‘Where caring is the main ingredient.'”
Based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Sunflower Bakery is no ordinary bakery. Instead, it “trains adults with disabilities for competitive employment in other baking jobs in other bakeries,” explains Sara Portman Milner, Co-Founder and Co-Director.
She adds that “the organization is really unique because we’re not only a full production bakery, we are a training program for people to actually get the skills they need to be able to work in any bakery and we’re a nonprofit organization at the same time.”
When Laurie Wexler, also a Co-Founder and Co-Director, came to Portman Milner with the idea of starting a bakery that would train adults with disabilities, Portman Milner jumped at the idea.
Combining two of her passions, baking and helping those with disabilities, was a perfect way to make a difference in their community.
Before starting the bakery, Portman Milner had long been “dedicated to giving people opportunities in the mainstream of society rather than in special schools and special programs.”
About Bus 52:
“Bus 52 is a year-long project devoted to reminding and reconnecting America to its roots of community, innovation, and improvement. Every week of 2012, the team uploaded and posted videos and articles about people from every kind of circumstance confronting challenges in their community through innovative ways. The people and their stories, 100 in total, present as a patchwork of American community innovation, and serve to ignite the minds of those watching, further spurring their involvement in their own communities.” For more information on Bus52 or visit them on Facebook.
For more information or to order baked goods visit––>Sunflower Bakery
Did you find this story inspiring? Please share in the comments below.
If you have an inspiring story to share, please send it to us at submit@parentingspecialneeds.org and include inspiring story in subject line.
Helpful Articles
- Planning for Your Special Child’s Future: It’s Never “Too Early” to Start!
- What Do I Do with My Child Once They Graduate High School?
- Transition & Supported Employment Working for You
- What to Do After High School?
- Educational Options After High School for Students with Special Needs
- College Programs: Closer Than You Think
- College Bound: A Journey to Independence
- Helping Your Child Be An Independent College Student
- Parents of teenagers with special needs: Prep for college NOW…..3 tips
- Independence and Self-Advocacy
- Maneuvering Your Meal Plan While In College
- Raising a Successful College Graduate
You May Also Like
- Person-Ventured Entrepreneurship: What Do You Know About Entrepreneurship
- Where to Go if Your Child Needs a Job or Help with Post High School Education
- Parenting Your Young Adult Through Their First Employment Experiences
- What Are Pre-Employment Skills and How Does My Child Get Them?
- Parenting Your Young Adult Through Their First Employment Experiences
- What Employers Can Do for Employees Whose Children Have Special Needs
- Group Homes: Can My Experience Help You?
- When Is the Right Time to Transition from Your Home to a Group Home?
- Did You Know About the Independent Living Center?
- Preparing for the First Apartment: Beyond Home Furnishings and Domestic Supplies
- Apps for Supporting Independence: The Transition to Adulthood
- How to Find Your Special Child’s Spark?
- Help Your Elementary School Youngster Learn About Work
- Franky DiStefano a Vocation Success Story
