Nashville TN, September 2, 2025
News Summary
SweetAbility Bakery in Nashville’s Woodbine neighborhood has expanded its operations to create more job opportunities for adults with disabilities. The non-profit bakery, now in a larger 2,300-square-foot space, aims to empower individuals through an inclusive work environment, offering a variety of baked goods. The bakery not only emphasizes product quality but also focuses on providing a supportive atmosphere for employees like Ellis Coats and Rosie Pittman, fostering their skills while alleviating job security concerns for families of individuals with disabilities.
Nashville, TN – SweetAbility Bakery has expanded its operations to create more job opportunities for adults with disabilities in Nashville’s Woodbine neighborhood. The bakery, now located in a newly renovated 2,300-square-foot commercial space, employs individuals with disabilities and aims to empower them through an inclusive and fun work environment.
The bakery specializes in crafting a variety of baked goods including scones, cookies, shortbreads, cinnamon rolls, pies, cakes, and brownies. SweetAbility Bakery began its journey seven years ago in a retrofitted mother-in-law cottage on the property of founder Chelle Baldwin. The initial focus was on producing quality baked goods in a smaller setting, which eventually led to the growth of the business and its move to a larger facility.
Among the employees is Ellis Coats, a young adult on the autism spectrum, who excels at following recipes and crafting baked goods. Another employee, Rosie Pittman, assists with ingredient preparation and organizing orders, highlighting the diverse skill sets of the staff. The bakery offers hands-on experience in collaboration with Friends Life Community, a partnership that further supports the bakery’s inclusive mission.
Rosie, who was diagnosed with autism and speech apraxia at age three, along with an intellectual disability at age nine, provides insight into the bakery’s positive impacts. Chelle Baldwin, who initially worked as a graphic artist, furniture builder, and massage therapist, created SweetAbility Bakery as a safe and supportive place for Rosie and others with similar experiences after their high school graduations. The bakery aims to alleviate the concerns faced by families of adults with disabilities regarding job security and safe work environments.
As a recently established 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, SweetAbility Bakery is committed to its mission of empowerment and inclusivity. Plans for future expansion include hiring more individuals with disabilities and setting up a shared commercial kitchen for other food makers. The bakery also seeks to inspire other businesses to adopt similar inclusive hiring practices, creating greater awareness about the abilities of individuals with disabilities in the workforce.
In addition to delicious baked goods, SweetAbility Bakery promotes an environment filled with positivity and humor. Rosie enjoys various tasks including packaging items and making deliveries, often bringing laughter and joy to her coworkers through her sense of humor. This balance of fun and productivity exemplifies the bakery’s commitment to not only fostering skills but also ensuring a supportive atmosphere for all employees.
SweetAbility Bakery serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity in Nashville, demonstrating that with the right support and environment, individuals with disabilities can thrive and contribute significantly to their communities.
FAQ
What is SweetAbility Bakery?
SweetAbility Bakery is a bakery in Nashville that focuses on providing job opportunities for adults with disabilities while crafting a variety of baked goods.
What types of products does SweetAbility Bakery offer?
The bakery specializes in baked goods such as cookies, shortbreads, cinnamon rolls, pies, cakes, and scones, among others.
How has SweetAbility Bakery expanded?
SweetAbility Bakery has recently moved to a larger commercial space to accommodate growth and to employ more individuals with disabilities.
What is the mission of SweetAbility Bakery?
The mission of SweetAbility Bakery is to empower individuals with disabilities by creating a fun and inclusive workspace.
Key Features of SweetAbility Bakery
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Woodbine neighborhood, Nashville |
| Size | 2,300-square-foot commercial space |
| Type of Organization | Non-profit (501(c)(3)) |
| Mission | Empower individuals with disabilities |
| Products | Variety of baked goods including cookies, scones, and seasonal treats |
| Employee Support | Collaboration with Friends Life Community |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Southern Living: SweetAbility Bakery in Nashville
- Wikipedia: Special Needs
- News Channel 5: SweetAbility Bakery Jobs
- Google Search: Bakery in Nashville
- AOL: Visually Stunning Cakes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Employment for Individuals with Disabilities
- AOL: Top Pastry Cities in the US
- Google News: Inclusive Workplace Practices
Author: HERE Nashville
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