Big-Hearted Baker Employs Disabled Staff, Hopes To Expand

SAG HARBOR, NY — Since he was just 4 years old, Robert has wanted to be a baker. Robert, who has autism, has always found baking to be one of his great passions.

But although he graduated from high school after completing a supportive culinary program, opportunities to be employed as a baker were nonexistent.

So said Shirley Ruch, whose determination and a dream helped the South Fork Bakery in Sag Harbor — which provides paid employment opportunities to individuals with autism, Asperger Syndrome, Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities — to become a reality.

(GoFundMe)

And now, Ruch hopes to expand, and has launched a GoFundMe page, "South Fork Bakery: Cookies with a Cause," to raise the $40,000 needed to grow the business.

Those with disabilities often struggle to find paid employment even though they have a deep desire to work, Ruch said.

"I started South Fork Bakery in 2016 to give people like Robert this opportunity. Robert is now not only one of our bakers but also our expert decorator, meticulously applying the icing on all of the holiday cookies. Jessica, our professional baker, works alongside our crackerjack 'batter mixing crew' of Jon, Geoffrey and Scott. Julian, our muscle man, empties 50 lb. bags of flour and other ingredients into bins for storage. Mary brightens up the packing room with her friendly smile. Niko and Frankie are always early to work and greet everyone with a warm welcome when they arrive. Sarah is our leading saleswoman, signing up over 10 stores in Southampton single-handedly! She also manages the orders for these stores and makes the deliveries to them each week," Ruch wrote.

South Fork Bakery serves her mission of offering meaningful, paid employment — and, more importantly, it provides a feeling of self worth, accomplishment, joy and a sense of community, Ruch said.

Geoffrey, who has worked at the bakery for two years, explained what the experience means. "The bakery has given me a sense of purpose that I didn't get from other jobs," he said.

Collier, who has worked at the bakery for all three years, added, “It's fun making cookies and it's a great place to make friends.”

Ruch, a a speech therapist who has worked with individuals with developmental disabilities from the ages of preschool through adult, said improving the quality of life for those she's worked with has been her passion for more than 30 years.

(GoFundMe)

The bonds run deep; she has known and worked with some children and their families for decades.

"When they were turning 21 and aging out of the school system with no employment, I heard their parents’ concerns and fears about their child’s isolation and loneliness when school ended. I knew I had to do something to help and so, South Fork Bakery was born," she said.

In the beginning, the bakery provided meaningful employment for six people she had worked with for years and who had recently aged out of the school system, Ruch said.

"Amazingly we have rapidly grown and are now able to employ 16 people. Employees mix batter, bake, package, sell and deliver our delicious cookies and brownies. Due to our employees’ hard work and diligence we are in over 50 stores, farmers markets and fairs," Ruch said.

She added that she is grateful to have daily assistance from family members and other volunteers who work with employees and are helping the South Fork Bakery to grow.

"All together, we have created a place for meaningful paid employment, a sense of community and a friendship bond that makes everyone look forward to each and every day at work," Ruch said.

At the bakery, three types of cookies and two bars are created, including Gingersnap, Wheat Free Oatmeal Raisin, Wheat Free Chocolate Chip, Blondie Bars and Wheat Free Chocolate Chunky Brownies, Ruch explained.

"All are made with natural ingredients with no preservatives just like grandma’s cookies," she said.

The bakery also offers seasonal items including Coconut Macaroons, which are dipped in chocolate and crushed almonds, pumpkin blondies for the fall and peppermint brownies for the holidays.

But, for the South Fork Bakery, a not for profit 501(c)3 organization, to continue to thrive and grow, support is needed, Ruch said.

"With your support we can take South Fork Bakery to the next level by increasing sales and employing more people," she said.

Funds raised will help the business to employ new individuals from a waiting list; increase the amount of work hours for current employees; purchase a cookie depositor machine, a 30 quart Hobart mixer, a 14' freezer, two 6' rolling carts for baking ingredients; cover fees to enter additional markets and festivals; contract with a marketing professional to devise strategies for increasing sales; rent a larger kitchen space; and provide year-round employment

"Please help us to provide meaningful paid work to a group of very deserving individuals. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a difference in the lives of my amazing employees," Ruch said.

As a 501(c)3 every dollar donated is tax deductible, she said.

Those who would rather donate by can mail them to: South Fork Bakery, 3333 Noyac Road, Sag Harbor, NY 11963.

To donate, click here.

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