Making the world a better place can take hard work, dedication and patience.

And sometimes, a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies.

At least that is what Sunflower Bakery is bringing to the world, one dessert at a time.

The bakery, which was created by a group of women, aims to help adults with learning differences gain job training all while making an impact on the community they live in.

“We are a bakery, but we’re more than that,” said Jody Tick, executive director.

Since the nonprofit began, more than 550 students from throughout Maryland, DC and Virginia, have graduated from the six-month training program.

Students work on a bakery order at Sunflower Bakery. Photo courtesy of Sunflower Bakery

“We can’t change the world, but we can help people change themselves and grow and transform,” said another founder, Sara Portman Milner

We give them a chance to be the best they can be.”

From the Pastry Arts program (which teaches skills needed to work in a commercial kitchen, along with following a recipe and baking) to the Hospitality program (which teaches customer service skills), the goal is to make sure students are able to enter the workforce successfully.

Milner, whose younger brother has Down Syndrome, said when she was first asked about opening a bakery and training those with learning differences, she knew she wanted to do more.

“I said the only way I would do it is if you train people to work in other people’s bakeries or catering firms or restaurants or whatever,” Milner said. “You hire six people, that doesn’t help a lot. But you train six people, 24 people, 40 people a year, then you’re making a difference.”

Sunflower Bakery

Jordan Scott-Geason, a 21-year-old bakery student, couldn’t agree more.

“As I learn I get better, and they helped me get better,” she said. “The first time I made cookies, I did mess up. But I kept going. I kept remaking the recipe. And now I feel like that’s the easiest thing for me to make.”

Scott-Geason said that at first she struggled to be on time for training. But the program worked with her, teaching her how to manage her time and get on track. 

She said before joining the program, she was very shy and didn’t often stand up for herself. But as Scott-Geason grew and learned to trust in herself and her baking abilities, that changed.

“It was a really safe place for me,” she said. Now, with a full-time job at another bakery, her future is bright.

“I truly enjoy it,” Scott-Geason said.

It did a lot for me. I wouldn’t be where I am without Sunflower Bakery.”

Liz Hutter, the bakery’s culinary director, said that the curriculum is constantly evolving to help students gain skills to make their entry into a full-time job easier, and rewarding.

“I’m trying to teach them how to feel and experience independence in the workplace. It’s not just a pastry skill. They’re going to have to learn new skills everywhere they go,” she said.

For a look at the program and how it’s helping students everywhere, watch below.

Sources: People | Jewish Insider