A local organization dedicated to training young adults with disabilities for careers as bakers and baristas hosted an inspiring ribbon-cutting ceremony in a Rockville, Maryland, parking lot on Friday, attracting over 100 attendees.
The event marked the rebranding of Sunflower Bakery, which is now known as Sunflower Bakery Kitchen and Café, along with an announcement of their enhanced program offerings.
“This change really mirrors our growth and development over the years,” reflected Jody Tick, the executive director of the organization.
Founded in 2009, Sunflower initially focused on pastry arts training. Today, its offerings have expanded to include customer service and comprehensive culinary training, collaborating with more than 80 employer partners such as Wegmans, Tatte Bakery & Café, Nothing Bundt Cakes, and Coffee Republic.
The Sunflower Bakery & Bakeshop serves as both a training facility and a bakeshop located in Rockville, while Café Sunflower in North Bethesda operates as a retail and pickup point.
According to the Center for Research on Disability, in 2024, only 44.1% of working-age adults with cognitive disabilities in Maryland were employed, contrasted with 81.2% of their non-disabled counterparts.
Tick emphasized that Sunflower is dedicated to bridging this employment gap. During the ceremony, she participated in cutting the ceremonial red ribbon alongside Brittni Jenkins, a recent graduate from the hospitality program.
“I wanted to learn how to cook and develop my workplace skills,” Jenkins expressed.
Jenkins is currently seeking employment in a bakery or customer service role, inspired by her brother who works as a baker.
She even had a message for potential employers: “If you’re looking for a baker, give me a call.”
As a parent of a young adult with an intellectual disability, Tick shared her commitment to helping trainees achieve what every parent dreams for their children: “to be successful, to contribute to their community, and to feel accepted.”
