SCHENECTADY - Puzzles Bakery and Cafe will offer food, drink, and an integrated workplace. The owner of the business is looking to employ people with autism and other special needs. Unemployment is extremely high in the special needs community. Billy DeSantis applied for a job at Puzzles. "I want to work in the community. I want to get a good paycheck. And I want to have a good experience," he said. He is in the Schenectady ARC's supported employment program. Cafe owner Sara Mae Hickey plans to open Puzzles Bakery and Cafe on State Street this summer. "There are about 20 positions available," she said. "We've already gotten over 100 applications for these positions. And we're looking to hire people with and without disabilities, but it is certainly our mission to hire people with autism and other special needs." "I think it's a very good idea," said DeSantis. "We have the same qualities as other people." At Puzzles, they'll be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, offering sandwiches, salads, soups, and freshly baked goods. Hickey is also the head of the Autism Initiative. She has a sister with autism, and the cause is near and dear to her heart....
a really great idea...i cant wait to go and hope they succeed!!
I want to get a good paycheck. ...
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
Is this business getting funding from METROPLEX/GILLEN too?
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
Yep hire special needs ppl and pay them less in a paycheck wow.Did anyone see national grid outside of puzzles,for days at a time,they are still there,maybe that sinkhole will open up more and swallow the court appointed attorneys office next door.
Is this business getting funding from METROPLEX/GILLEN too?
This may be an appropriate business to get plex, um, taxpayer money from. Doubtful this is not some millionaire political crony of the city/co/plex leaders.
But might we guess that they will fully taxable. Little mom and pop serving the disabled could be paying taxes while it's competition from the millionaire Villa Italia does not pay taxes.
Taxpayers away details.
Optimists close their eyes and pretend problems are non existent. Better to have open eyes, see the truths, acknowledge the negatives, and speak up for the people rather than the politicos and their rich cronies.
I like that she is hiring people with disablilities, the name of he bakery would "fit" regarding autism. There are business's in our area that also do this without advertising it though. JMO would have liked to see a story done after the business was already up and running.
There should be more opportunities for people with disabilities to find jobs.
I agree. But then find an insurance company that will cover them......eg: nys compensation.
unfortunately some are considered a 'high risk'.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
Well, you can't fault the owner for sending out a press release ... Especially in Schenectady where there is so much political drama... I hope she pays them minimum wage or allows tipping. Not all places who hire the disabled do.
Definitely a great idea. I hope that it does well.
George Amedore & Christian Klueg for NYS Senate 2016 Pete Vroman for State Assembly 2016[/size][/color]
"For this is what America is all about. It is the uncrossed desert and the unclimbed ridge. It is the star that is not reached and the harvest that is sleeping in the unplowed ground." Lyndon Baines Johnson
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