What's Happening in Lancaster, OH…

Although Sweet Innovations, a bakery in the River Valley Mall in Lancaster, Ohio, had a “soft” opening approximately two months ago, the bakery's official opening date didn’t come until recently.

The shop sells such baked goods as cinnamon rolls and cookies, some of which can be “personalized” for the customer, who can choose the cookie, the frosting, and any additional toppings they want. The bakery also sells soft drinks and coffee.

However, the company’s goodies aren't the most unusual thing about it. The difference in this shop is that three of its eight employees are developmentally challenged, and are clients of the Fairfield County Board of Developmental Disabilities. David Uhl, the business development director for the Board, says that the organization wants to train developmentally disabled people to give them skills they can use in other positions.

Uhl cites the case of Tim Heft, who is currently working at the bakery and who loves his job, but who might want to make a change at some time in the future. Working at Sweet Innovations will give Heft experience in interacting with people and selling baked goods. These general skill sets will go with Heft to any job that requires customer service or handling money, which gives him a greater range of possibilities than simply remaining at the bakery. The Board owns several businesses that are hiring these workers and helping them develop skills that are useful anywhere.

The Board could work with brochure printers to explain their mission and ask for community support, as well as focusing on the new bakery and its delicious menu.