Welcome to our Empowerment Hub: A Space for Change and Inclusion

Hi friends,

I’m so excited to welcome you to our Empowerment Hub, a new part of my journey with Mammaw Sandy’s Kitchen featuring Thornberry’s Bakery. If you know me, you know that creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities has always been at the center of my heart. This blog is an extension of that mission—a place where we can share resources, ideas, and stories that help individuals of all abilities live, work, and thrive.

The idea for this blog came from the same place that inspired Mammaw Sandy’s Kitchen. In my work supporting people with disabilities, I saw the incredible talents and potential that often go overlooked. I also saw how much difference access—to skills, community, and opportunities—can make in someone’s life. This blog is my way of expanding that impact beyond our kitchen walls and into the wider community.

Over the years, I’ve seen how important it is to have access to the right tools, support systems, and communities that truly value inclusion. My hope is that this blog becomes a go-to resource—whether you’re looking for information about employment, adaptive technologies, educational programs, or just inspiration from real stories of people breaking barriers.

This blog is about more than just resources—it’s about community. I want this to be a place where individuals of all abilities feel represented, supported, and celebrated. Together, we can learn, grow, and create a more inclusive world where everyone has the chance to thrive.

Here, you’ll find:

• Practical resources that can open doors to independence, from employment programs to adaptive tools.

• Inspiring stories of individuals who are breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible.

• Tips and opportunities for families, advocates, and allies to help support inclusion.

• Updates from our bakery and community, because so much of what we do is about building connection.

My hope is that this becomes more than just a blog—it becomes a space where we learn from each other, celebrate wins big and small, and move forward together toward a more inclusive community.

Thank you for being here at the very beginning. I’d love to know what kinds of resources or stories would be most helpful to you, so please share your ideas—I want this blog to truly serve you.

Together, let’s break down barriers, create opportunities, and show the world the power of inclusion. 💙

With gratitude,Alayna