By MELISSA MEEHAN
Bakery’s a tasty treat for disabled workers…
They’re making dough for local disability services, and it’s delicious.
Mount Evelyn based Melba Support Services ‘The Able Bake House’ celebrated its second birthday this week with little fuss and fanfare.
But it is a major milestone for the social enterprise that provides employment for people with disabilities.
It produces, sells and delivers a range of biscuits, slices, jams and chutneys out of the commercial kitchen at Mount Evelyn’s Community Hall every Thursday and some of the biggest organisations in the Yarra Ranges, including the council, are some of its most loyal customers.
Managed by Kerry Kift and head pastry chef Jodie King, the Able Bake House shows that people with disabilities are able to contribute to the community.
“At the Able Bake House we support people with significant disabilities, as well as work with volunteers from within the community, creating a working environment that is collaborative, productive and fun,” Ms Kift said.
“Each week we come together, baking, packaging, selling and delivering our products and everyone involved seems to experience a real sense of connectedness.”
Melba CEO Glenn Foard said the bake house was based around the principle “people first, profit second”.
“Social enterprises are aimed at providing real employment opportunities for people of all abilities and while they must at least break even, their focus is on ensuring individuals have the chance to contribute productively to their community,” Mr Foard said.
The Able Bake House was established initially to advance goals and interests of some people supported by Melba Services, in particular one woman who had expressed an interest in baking, and another man who had started his own courier business who was looking from regular work.
“It’s just grown from there,” Mr Foard said.
Everyone at the Able Bake House is now working hard in the lead-up to Christmas – with work starting on producing a range of hampers just in time for the silly season.
Mr Foard encouraged people to purchase a hamper as a gift, and at the same time support a local enterprise that provides employment to people with disabilities.
To find out more information about Able Bake House hampers, products or catering for functions visit www.melbasupport.com.au/the_able_bakehouse or call Kerry on 0413 719 474.
