Spotlight on Success: Bravo Bakeshop’s Recipe for Inclusion
- diane0874
- Nov 26
- 2 min read
By Diane Gallegos, Executive Director/Mission, The Arc of Hanover
A wonderful aroma is sweeping through Ashland, and it’s coming from the newly opened Bravo Bakeshop! More than just a source of incredible treats, this bakery is quickly becoming a beacon of community and inclusion, and a cherished friend of The Arc of Hanover.
Owner Liz Dillon has created a truly welcoming and inclusive work environment at Bravo Bakeshop. Liz recently shared the inspiring story of how she connected with the culinary baking program at Mechanicsville High School. A teacher from the program reached out, inquiring about employment for a talented young man -- a baker with a disability.
Liz didn't hesitate. She was thrilled to welcome Carter to the team, stating she feels "blessed to have someone who was so well-trained in the art of baking" join her staff. Carter has proven to be an invaluable asset and has mastered the classic oatmeal cream pie.
The Carter Cream Pie: A Sweet Partnership
To celebrate Carter's talent and dedication, Liz has renamed this signature item the Carter Cream Pie. But the sweetness doesn't stop there! In a generous gesture of support, Bravo Bakeshop is donating a portion of the sales of every Carter Cream Pie to The Arc of Hanover.
Diane Gallegos and Stacey Murrell, the Co-Executive Directors of The Arc of Hanover, recently visited the shop to express their thanks, meet Carter, and, of course, sample the famous pies. They were delighted to find Carter to be a very hardworking and polite young man who crafts a truly fantastic cream pie! They walked away with many pies to share with the volunteers at The Arc of Hanover Thrift Store -- a treat that brought pure delight to all who enjoyed it.
Loving the Job and Loving the Freedom
Carter's dedication is evident. He had been balancing two jobs for nearly a year but recently made the decision to focus solely on Bravo Bakeshop. He shared his enthusiasm, stating he loves his job, his coworkers, and the opportunity to bake for others.
Carter utilizes the Hanover DASH transportation service to commute, which gives him the independence to schedule his rides and adjust his pick-up time as needed by his work schedule. This freedom ensures he can focus on his passion for baking without transportation worries.
If you haven't had the chance to visit Bravo Bakeshop yet, please make a point of stopping in! You'll not only be treated to wonderful baked goods but also get to meet neighbors and support a business that champions inclusion.
And whatever you do, don't forget to grab a delicious Carter Cream Pie. You’ll be supporting a fantastic baker and The Arc of Hanover!
If you are a disability self-advocate, parent, caregiver or concerned citizen interested in writing a blog post for The Arc of Hanover -- on any subject -- please contact Sue Jeantheau, Communications Committee, at sue.jeantheau@thearcofhanover.org.
If you want to help people in Hanover County with intellectual or developmental disabilities via The Arc of Hanover, donate here.
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