Pennsylvania First Lady Lori Shapiro Visits Bunny Bakes

Last week, Pennsylvania First Lady Lori Shapiro visited Bunny Bakes for an in-depth look at how our inclusive employment model is creating meaningful career pathways for adults of all abilities. What began as a scheduled visit extended to nearly two hours as the First Lady genuinely connected with our team, learned about our training program, and engaged in thoughtful conversation with leadership about the challenges and opportunities in building truly inclusive workplaces.

This visit represents something bigger than a single afternoon at our bakery. It's part of a growing movement across Pennsylvania (and across the country) to prove that inclusive workplaces aren't just the right thing to do, they're good for business, good for communities, and essential to unlocking the potential of talented individuals who simply need the right support to thrive.

First Lady Shapiro has been a tireless champion for disability inclusion throughout the Commonwealth, using her platform to promote inclusive hiring practices and educate businesses about resources available to support them. She calls Pennsylvania's Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) a "hidden gem" for employers looking to diversify their workforces, and regularly visits job sites that are leading by example.

At Bunny Bakes, we've seen firsthand how these partnerships work. Currently, five of our trainees and employees have OVR-supported employment pathways, including consistent job coaching that helps both our team members and our business succeed. The benefits are clear: employees gain confidence and skills, our bakery runs smoothly with dedicated team members, and our entire community becomes stronger when everyone has the opportunity to contribute.

The Power of Partnership

The First Lady's visit reinforced what we've always believed: sustainable, meaningful inclusive employment requires partnership. Community organizations like Friendship Circle create training programs and supportive environments. State resources like OVR provide job coaching, wage reimbursement, and ongoing support. Forward-thinking employers commit to building workplaces where people of all abilities can succeed.

When these pieces come together, something powerful happens. We don't just create jobs—we unlock potential, build confidence, strengthen teams, and prove that inclusion makes every workplace better.

Looking Ahead

We're grateful to First Lady Shapiro for her leadership, her genuine engagement with our team, and her commitment to building a Pennsylvania where everyone can contribute their unique talents. Her visit energizes our work and reminds us why partnerships between organizations, state resources, and businesses matter so much.

As we continue expanding our partnership with OVR and growing Bunny Bakes' training program, we're excited about what's ahead. More employees finding meaningful work. More businesses discovering the value of inclusive hiring. More moments becoming movements.

Thank you, First Lady Shapiro, for championing this work. We're honored to be part of building a more inclusive Pennsylvania—one job, one partnership, one matcha latte at a time.

____________________________________________________________

Bunny Bakes is Friendship Circle Pittsburgh's inclusive bakery and café, providing comprehensive employment training and career pathways for adults with disabilities. Through partnerships with Pennsylvania's Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, we demonstrate that when workplaces are designed with accessibility and support in mind, everyone can thrive.

Visit us at 1926 Murray Avenue in Squirrel Hill.