Bakery serves up meaningful work for those challenged by autism, and something delicious, too

From left, Sue Willson, Matt Gestewitz, Tim Willson, Carol Willson, Charles Willson and Kay Hooper. (Rochester Voice photo)

ROCHESTER - Sue Willson of Rochester works one on one with special needs students at the Chamberlain School.

Her husband, Tim, has run bakeries in Colorado and spent the last 20 years in the ministry.

So it almost came naturally that they would open up a bakery to help give children with autism a chance to learn a trade that could end up providing them with both a paycheck and a satisfying career.

That shared vision ended up becoming a reality with the opening last month of The Potter's House Bakery in the old Quiznos space next to Raspberry's Hair Salon at 10 Chestnut Hill Road.

The mantra that permeates the bakery - "Goodies for goodness sake" - is not just a slogan; it's the truth.

The shop will provide a training ground for those challenged by autism and the product is delicious, baked-from-scratch confections that will grace the palate with homemade scrumptiousness.

Meanwhile, Camp Card (Center for Autism-Related Disabilities) is in the throes of setting up classrooms in space next door to the bakery.

For the Willsons, the bakery is a means to an end.

"Autism is the highest unemployed block in the country," Sue Willson said. "We want to help with that."

Camp Card will provide trainers and other assistance in enabling those who are challenged by autism to enter the Potter's Bakery workforce, she said, adding in such a small workspace two or three would be the most interns they could work with at one time.

Camp Card, which is located in York, Maine, formerly used space at the Emmanuel Church on Eastern Avenue for their training facility.

Sue Willson, who works full time at the Chamberlain School, said they hope to have the kids working at the bakery by July.

Working alongside Sue and Tim, it is very much a family affair, with Tim's mom, Carol Willson, selling her Bean Bag Coffee, which is roasted fresh daily on premises; and his sister, Darlene Towle, who runs MLC Catering, bringing in her wraps, salads and sandwiches for the lunch menu.

While the wraps, the salads and the coffee are all first rate, it's the bakery assortment, fresh and from scratch, that sets this place apart.

With Rochester lacking its own small-shop bakery for many years, there's no question there's a pent-up hunger here for such an option.

Baked fresh daily are pastries, cookies, cakes, éclairs, cinnamon rolls, Danish, muffins and brownies.

Tim Willson will also make specialty cakes upon personal request. Right now, Sue Wilson said raspberry lemonade is a top seller.

If you need any more proof in the pudding, just take a look at the yummieness on their Facebook page.

The Potter's Place is open 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 6 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday.

If anyone knows someone who is autistic who might be interested in working at Potter's House Bakery & Café they should check out the Camp Card Facebook page.