While Heart and Flour sells baked goods like a typical bakery, it also provides a space for young adults to learn new skills.

LINCOLN, Ill. (WAND) - In January, Kelly Carter told WAND News that her dream was to start a special bakery, providing employment and training opportunities for young adults with disabilities. She expected it to take between three and five years. Instead, she opened the bakery by August, with an expansion into the property already started. 

"I can't believe we did it in a matter of eight months," said Kelly Carter, founder of Heart and Flour bakery. "I never expected the outpouring of support we've had from our community and just the multitude of people that actually needed this." 

While Heart and Flour sells baked goods like a typical bakery, it also provides a space for young adults to learn new skills. Small groups of high schoolers will come in for a session each week, where Carter teaches them basic skills, like measuring ingredients and reading a recipe. 

Each week, the kids are thrilled to enter the bakery. They know to wash their hands as soon as they come inside and often try to start baking before everyone has even made it in the door. 

That's the community Carter wanted to create with the bakery. It's been her goal to help participants feel valued and loved. 

"It brings me a lot of joy to see them feeling fulfilled," Carter said. "They have a purpose, they feel fulfilled. You see the smiles on their faces and hear the laughter when you come in." 

Right now, students from four different schools come to the bakery with a few of their classmates. Carter has started expanding into the building next door so she can hold bigger classes and help more groups in the community. 

"It's something these schools need," Carter said. "They need businesses that are willing to help and have the time to train these individuals. They have these skills, they just need time and a little adjustment." 

For more information on Heart and Flour, check out their website or social media accounts. 

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