Bake Ability: A West Parent Creates Unique Opportunities
June 7, 2021
Bake Ability is a new bakery located in Buckingham at the Buckingham Green Shopping Center. Mrs. Paula Fasciano, a CB West parent, is the bakery’s owner, and Mrs. Suzette Koller, also a CB West parent, is the resident professional baker. Together they are creating work opportunities for young adults with different abilities. Many of the employees are current and former CB West students. I have gone to the bakery twice and I love it.
Here is my interview with Mrs. Fasciano and three employees.
Mrs. Fasciano
What inspired you to start Bake Ability?
I was inspired to start Bake Ability because I experienced how hard it was to find my older son Matthew (24) a job after he finished high school at 21. There aren’t many meaningful opportunities for adults with different abilities to find work they enjoy.
How many students and former students of CB West are employed at Bake Ability?
We currently have 17 employees. Some are still in school, some are completely done with school.
What is the mission of Bake Ability and how are you accomplishing that mission?
Our mission is to provide an opportunity for meaningful employment to those who have an interest in baking or working in a bakery. We have a very relaxed atmosphere, and we have a great time when we are working together.
How long has Bake Ability been open? What has the community response been like? And what are your dreams for the future?
We have been open since February 17th, 2021. We are blown away by the community response as well as by those just reaching out to volunteer and support us in any way they can. Dreams for the future include other “Ability” focused businesses that we can start for these young adults as well as additional Bake Ability locations.
Employee Interviews
Jagger Packlaian is a senior at CB West. He also is a member of the CB West Unified track team.
How did you learn about the job opportunities at Bake Ability?
I learned about the job opportunities at Bake Ability from my friend Ben and his mom Mrs. Fasciano who is the boss and my mom that helped paint the furniture.
And how much do you work each week?
I work on Sunday mornings from 7:30 until 11:30.
What is your favorite job at Bake Ability and what are you learning at your job?
My favorite job is the cash register! I learn about food and how to bake it. I also learn about money. I learn to clean and properly sanitize. I also learn to help customers. Sometimes I am the DJ and pick music to bake to.
What kind of treats do you sell?
I sell cookies, rolls, scones, cupcakes, magic Ability bars, pizzas, egg muffins and tarts.
Which one is your favorite and why?
The cookies specifically the Sugar cookies because the icing is really good.
Sean DiBiaso
How did you learn about the job opportunities at Bake Ability? And how much do you work each week?
Heard about it from my friends. I work 1 or 2 (approx. 4 hour) shifts per week.
What is your favorite job at Bake Ability and what are you learning at your job?
I am learning how to greet customers, ask them what we can get for them, operate the cash register, clean the bakery (wipe things down and sweep and mop the floor), wash dishes, make the different treats. And after the treats are baked, wrap them to keep them fresh. My favorite jobs are washing dishes and helping to make the goodies.
What kind of treats do you sell? Which one is your favorite and why?
I need to eat gluten free, so I don’t eat much at the bakery. I have tried the gluten free bars and the egg frittatas. Both are very good.
We sell cookies, cupcakes, lemon tarts and magic ability bars. I like putting the treats into the boxes for the customers. Then I say “have a delicious day” and thank you for coming.
Julia Shirey
How did you learn about the job opportunities at Bake Ability? And how much do you work each week?
I work about 4 hours a week.
What is your favorite job at Bake Ability and what are you learning at your job?
I like working the register and greeting all of the people.
What kind of treats do you sell? Which one is your favorite and why?
Bake ability bars, snickerdoodles, chocolate chip cookies, lemon tarts, brownies and a lot more treats. My favorite are the lemon tarts and snickerdoodles.
