If you find yourself in Manhattan, hit up NYC’s East Village for a bakery not only filled with deliciously frosted cakes, jars full of cookies and fresh bread — but a shop that’s become a safe haven for youth in the community.
Sweet Generation Bakery, founded and owned by Amy Chasan (who formerly worked in youth development and education) created and internship program in her store that teaches ages 16-24 about life skills and professional development.
Amy explains, “We serve people from marginalized communities, specifically from low-income communities and young people of color.” She continues, “We train them on the job in the bakery, both in the kitchen and on the counter, and we also run workshops focused on professional development and entrepreneurial thinking.”
“It’s important to us to work with these young people and to create this opportunity for them to try to give them leg up,” the owner with a big heart shares.
Since beginning the initiative, affectionately titled RISE — Reach, Inspire, Shape, and Elevate — Amy and her staff have been able to help over 130 teens and young adults.
Here’s Amy talking about her company on the bakery’s YouTube channel from a few years back:
(Today)
