Our Story:
Kindred Bakery BK (501(c)(3) is a BIPOC-led social enterprise dedicated to creating inclusive, hands-on artisanal baking opportunities for individuals with diverse abilities. Founded by the parents of a young man with Autism, Kindred's mission is to help bridge the gap many face when transitioning to adulthood, especially those affected by the “disability cliff”—the sudden loss of critical services and support that often occurs as youth with disabilities age out of school-based programs. This transition can be overwhelming, leaving families with limited resources to help their loved ones find a path forward. Kindred addresses this gap by offering sustainable, skill-building pathways in a supportive, community-centered environment.
Operating from a shared commercial kitchen at the Flatbush Central Caribbean Marketplace in Brooklyn’s Flatbush neighborhood, Kindred Bakery serves marginalized youth, 85% of whom are BIPOC and 80% with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). Here, participants not only learn baking skills but also gain essential social, occupational, and life skills that prepare them for adulthood. Each participant benefits from one-on-one instruction, supported by volunteers and community members, fostering an environment where all can thrive.
Kindred’s hands-on workshops extend beyond baking basics. From mastering fermentation to understanding precise measurements, students engage with STEaM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) principles and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) concepts. SEL practices are woven into each lesson, helping students build self-awareness, manage their emotions, set goals, show empathy, and work effectively within teams. This focus on SEL not only equips students with practical skills but also strengthens their confidence, interpersonal abilities, and resilience. As one mother shared, “Charlotte has so much more self-confidence now; she’s open to new experiences and new people in a way she never was before.” This kind of growth illustrates how SEL, combined with technical learning, nurtures students’ social-emotional and personal development.
Kindred’s impact goes beyond the individual student, providing families with a renewed sense of hope and a clearer pathway toward independence for their children. Our vision is a society where everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to lead a fulfilling, independent life and be an active participant in their communities. By using food as a medium for connection, growth, and inclusivity, we demonstrate that everyone deserves the chance to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
The Challenge:
As we plan for the future, Kindred Bakery BK stands at a pivotal juncture. Our current classroom—in a shared commercial kitchen at the Flatbush Central Caribbean Marketplace—will no longer be available beginning January 2025. This space has allowed us to offer vital programs, where youth and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) develop social, vocational, and life skills. Losing this space poses an immediate threat to our programs and, by extension, to the opportunities we provide for our participants and their families.
Securing a permanent commercial kitchen space is our urgent priority to maintain continuity and grow our impact. The estimated lease cost for a suitable facility is $4,000 per month, totaling $48,000 per year. With a permanent space, Kindred could solidify its position as a vital community resource, offering stability and opening doors to expanded programming. A dedicated kitchen would allow us to accommodate more students, deepen their hands-on learning experiences, and strengthen the supportive environment we are known for. However, sustaining our mission goes beyond securing this space. To ensure that we can continue to serve our community for years to come, Kindred requires a foundation of continuous funding. Your contributions will not only help cover facility costs but will also allow us to maintain our highly individualized support model, including one-on-one instruction. Continuous funding will enable us to: Expand program capacity to serve more youth with ASD and IDD.
Launch new initiatives, such as our planned immigrant apprenticeship program, that serve both marginalized youth and their families. Build a robust workforce development program that connects participants with careers in supportive fields. Develop essential life skills for participants through STEaM and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)-based workshops. By investing in Kindred, you help create a pathway to independence and meaningful employment for some of the most vulnerable members of our community. We invite you to partner with us—whether through subsidizing a kitchen space, offering a multi-year gift, or providing general operating support—to ensure that Kindred Bakery BK not only survives this tran…