My Nonprofit Reviews

I thought “wonderful”, when I first learned of the existence of Baker Industries, Paoli, Philadelphia, PA. I have a lifetime mentally disabled brother (in Alexandria, VA) and finding meaningful work has been a regular struggle, as he likes people, wants to feel valuable and be productive and spend time with workmates. One of his favorite jobs was bagging groceries and helping put bags in peoples cars, until his back and knee problems became a challenge.
Baker does the hard, focused and supportive work of helping the disabled and people with other challenges such as reentry after incarceration or drug treatment. They provide a safe and understanding community with crises and job counseling and social/team building activities, etc. This is amazing work and I wish every town and suburb had a Baker.

Every time I talk to my mentally disabled, older brother (now 50 years old), he excitedly tells me that he's going to get a job! But he never gets a position. The years he was a grocery bagger/car-loader at Safeway were some of his happiest as he really likes helping people, but it began to hurt his back. He hasn't been able to find a new job yet. Although, he has enjoyed being a Salvation Army bellringer, it is really hard on his self-esteem and quality of life to not have regular employment A place like Baker Industries would be amazing for him but there is nothing like it where he lives in Virginia.