Grow it forward

This bakery isn't really a bakery -- it's a special education and training center that happens to make delicious baked goods. This also is a bakery that's suddenly expanding, thanks to a generous donation of commercial kitchen equipment.

When Reality Kitchen's owners set out to create a facility that could prepare people with disabilities to join the workforce, they didn't know the first thing about baking.

However, Jim Evangelista and Catherine Pickup's "labor of love," has grown to 25 employees, successfully operate a storefront and become the go-to vendor for many local restaurants.

Reality Kitchen has done well at its spot on River Road for six years, but the additional equipment provided by Humble Bagel is forcing the bakery to grow.

The former owners of the bagel shop, which closed its doors in April after 42 years in business, donated two large ovens, mixers, proof boxes and hundreds of various pans -- valued at an estimated $30,000 to $40,000.

"We thought this would be a good way for Humble Bagel to live on," said Gary Katz, the former owner.

Reality Kitchen is considering making its location larger, opening an additional location or moving all together. The nonprofit announced plans to begin a capital fundraising campaign.

"Now we have to real-time focus on what the next step is," Evangelista said. "I can't wait to see what the next step is."

Employee Jason Nance has worked at the bakery for a 1½ years. He's one of the staff members who doesn't have special needs, but he finds the team's mix of abilities to be an asset.

"Everybody has a strength that I don't have," said Nance, who described one coworker who has a photographic memory.

Reality Kitchen has an inter-abled team, and everyone gets compensated with competitive wages -- a unique choice for program that has employees with disabilities.

Large organizations such as Goodwill are often under fire for treating employees with disabilities differently, either paying them less than minimum wage or more recently, laying them off faster than other employees.

"Everybody deserves to be recognized for their work," Evangelista said. The bakery teaches its employees various skills from time management, team work, and communication. "If we have those expectations of people, we need to pay them. That's a fundamental aspect of what we do."

Follow Tatiana on Twitter @TatianaSophiaPT or email at Tatiana@registerguard.com.

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