Provisions Bakery has reopened its doors after a six-week renovation period. The Armory Square establishment has served goodies to its customers for the last 27 years while also serving its staff with an opportunity.
Access CNY Director for Mental Health Programs Ken Mack explains Provisions Bakery is not only a transitional workplace for people with disabilities.
“It also is a real valuable tool for individual recovery beyond gaining employment elsewhere. So, they may be working on all those work related skills, but coming to a place where they feel valued and respected and supported does wonders for their ability to see themselves as a valued, respected, supported individual.”
Provisions Bakery is one of over 20 programs that Access CNY offers to people with developmental disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and mental health issues. Director of Development Matt Seubert tells us during the renovations the staff did some undercover shopping.
“It was an opportunity for our staff to do what they call research which is basically go to other bakeries, try things out, see what’s working for others and really enhance some of the products that we have here in the bakery.”
Among the new additions are a Provisions custom-blend coffee and cold-brewed iced coffee, as well as a new pepper jack bread and a spicy pumpkin bar. Everything is made from scratch at PROVISIONS, including, Mack says…the prospect of a new beginning.
“When they come to us we’re a welcoming, supportive environment that understands the struggles that they may be going to which may include their ability to understand how to work with other people in a stressful work environment, how to deal with transportation issues, learn the basic employment skills.”
Most staff members move on from Provisions within six months to two years, though some learn that competitive employment is not for them. Renovation costs totaled $160,000. Almost all funding for the project was locally sourced.
