Big-Hearted Baker Who Hires Disabled Staff Needs Help In Pandemic

EAST END, NY — The pandemic has dealt a harsh blow to many small businesses: But for the East End's South Fork Bakery, owned by a woman who employs bakers with special needs, the past few months have been even more challenging.

Owner Shirley Ruch created the GoFundMe page, "South Fork Bakery Resilience Fund," to help keep the business afloat during unprecedented times.

"Right now we need your help to get the bakery through these tough times," she said.

Ruch, with South Fork Bakery, a not-for-profit business now in its fifth year, aspires to provide meaningful employment to the special needs community, she said.

"South Fork Bakery also provides job skill training and support to build independence and confidence. Just as importantly, we provide a place where everyone feels welcome, valuable, capable and happy among friends," she said. "We are proud to say our employees have taken these skills and gone on to employment in the restaurant industry. As the only business on the East End which employs and trains adults with developmental disabilities such as autism, autism spectrum, learning disabilities and Down Syndrome, South Fork Bakery directly changes lives."

Founded by Ruch, a speech therapist in Sag Harbor, the bakery continues to grow, producing cookies, brownies, pies, and other goodies sold throughout the Hamptons, "making our community sweeter and more inclusive in the process," she said.

However, in March, like so many businesses, South Fork Bakery had to temporarily close its doors due to the coronavirus.

"Unlike other businesses, our employees, as adults with developmental disabilities, struggle with social isolation daily," Ruch said. "The bakery is a place where they can enjoy being with others, have a feeling of self-worth, and earn a paycheck. Being closed for a few months was very difficult for our staff."

In early June the bakery was able to open its doors again and employees were happy to begin to return to work under strict coronavirus protocols, Ruch said.

Unfortunately, some of the stores and farmers markets where the business' baked goods are sold were either closed or functioning in a very limited way, she said.

"Thus, our sales have dropped," Ruch said. "We are actively seeking new stores and other venues to make up for those that have closed. But while doing this we need your assistance to help the bakery get through the tough times so that we can continue to employ the wonderful individuals who work so diligently and joyfully at the bakery."

The campaign is ongoing, with any additional funds gained beyond the initial goal utilized to continue to expand the bakery's mission, Ruch said.

"We are currently in the process of on-boarding two new employees this week as we gear up for a busy holiday season. Thank you for making this possible!" she said.

To donate, click here.

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