If you want to go quickly, go alone.
If you want to go far, go together.

African proverb

About us

Our story

For nearly 25 years, our founder, Shiri Reuveni-Ullrich worked as a speech therapist, dedicated to supporting individuals with special needs under the age of 21. As she began to consider the next chapter of her life, one thing remained clear: she wanted to continue making a meaningful impact in the lives of the people she cared so deeply about.

During this time of reflection, she was working closely with a group of autistic individuals, many of whom were nonverbal. Every Thursday, they baked together. It quickly became a highlight of the week. Even without words, the bakers expressed their excitement with bright eyes, eager smiles, and joyful gestures as they made their way to the kitchen.

One Thursday, while preparing cookies, Shiri stepped back and quietly watched. What she saw and heard moved her deeply. There was humming, bursts of laughter, playful singing, and a sense of calm joy that filled the room. In that kitchen, away from traditional pressures and expectations, her bakers had found their voices.

That moment sparked a new vision.

Shiri imagined a space where individuals who are too often overlooked could find purpose, pride, and belonging — a kitchen not just for baking, but for building confidence, community, and real, meaningful contribution.

That vision became the heart of Rising Above Bakery: a place where every baker shows up, works hard, and is valued as an equal member of the team. Baking bread. Together as one.

Our vision

We envision a world where individuals of all abilities are celebrated for their talents, embraced for their differences, and empowered to contribute in ways that matter.

Our bakery is more than a place to buy fresh, delicious goods — it is a space of opportunity, inclusion, and connection. Through baking, we strive to build a community where diversity is honored, self-worth is nurtured, and every person who walks through our doors strengthens the fabric of something larger than themselves.

Looking ahead, our vision is to grow into a space that is truly our own — a purpose-built kitchen and welcoming storefront where inclusion comes to life every single day. We want Rising Above Bakery to serve as a living example of what it looks like when people of all abilities work side by side as equals, and to inspire others to open their doors wider.

We dream of customers stepping into our bakery, picking up something warm and wonderful, and walking out with not just a treat — but a smile and a feel-good moment, knowing their purchase supports something bigger.

Our mission

At Rising Above Bakery, our mission is to create a place where individuals of all abilities are welcomed as equal, valued, and empowered members of our team — showing up, contributing their skills, and helping build something the whole community can be proud of.

Our signature offering is handcrafted sourdough bread, baked fresh daily using traditional methods. Alongside it, we serve an ever-changing array of baked goods — cookies, scones, pies, crackers, biscotti, and more — each made with care and the finest ingredients, locally sourced whenever possible.

Our welcoming retail space invites the community to shop, connect, and see inclusion in action. We also supply local businesses and offer online ordering for convenient local pickup.

Every loaf, cookie, and pie you purchase supports a greater purpose: building community, fostering dignity, and celebrating the talents of every baker on our team — one bake at a time.