Governor Wes Moore and Maryland Secretary of Labor Portia Wu visited Sunflower Bakery in Rockville this week, meeting with trainees participating in the nonprofit’s workforce development programs.
Sunflower Bakery, located at 5951 Halpine Rd., works with young adults and teens with learning differences, providing training designed to create pathways to employment. Programs include training in Pastry Arts, Culinary Arts, Hospitality, and related industries, along with workplace readiness skills intended to prepare participants for competitive employment.
According to the Maryland Department of Labor, Sunflower Bakery is supported by $300,000 through the state’s EARN Maryland program. The funding helps the organization provide participants with technical skills sought by local employers.
The Department of Labor said the program has already helped dozens of participants begin careers, while a recent expansion grant is expected to allow Sunflower Bakery to provide training to dozens more young adults.
Moore and Wu toured the bakery and met with trainees during the visit, which took place during National Disability Employment Awareness Month. “Breaking down barriers to employment is good for our workforce, our economy, and our communities,” the Maryland Department of Labor stated in announcing the visit.
Sunflower Bakery operates as a nonprofit social enterprise, combining its bakery operations with workforce development programming aimed at helping individuals with learning differences gain skills, experience, and opportunities for employment.
