A Sweet Success

Smiles, laughter, and a tinge of flour filled the air as young adults at our ASDC (Down Syndrome Association of Cochabamba) site in Bolivia participated in a bakery workshop earlier this year. The industrial equipment and supplies purchased through donations to the gift catalog helped launch this small bakery business.

The enthusiasm on the faces of the young people as they learned how to use the equipment, form the loaves of bread and sweets, and work together was a wonderful sight to behold. Gabriella, the mother of Leonardo, one of the participants, expressed how happy she was for the bakery workshop and the positive impact it made on her son. Most people born with down syndrome in Bolivia have a hard time finding employment, making this job opportunity essential.

More than a source of income to improve the lives of their families, this bakery gives each young adult a sense of accomplishment, belonging, and pride.

While COVID-19 shut down many businesses and social enterprises like this in the country, the equipment, knowledge, and enthusiasm remain. Once it is safe to reopen, these young adults are ready to jump back into the kitchen and bake up some delicious bread to sell in their communities.

Thank you to our dedicated donors whose continued support of our gift catalog gives thousands of people a boost of love, support, and hope each year.

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