Cookie Works Program - Erika Kurre

The Rochelle Center in Nashville has a "sweet" program that is helping those with developmental disabilities cook up some job skills.

"Cookie Works" has only been around for a few months, but already, the program is considered a success.

Fox 17's Erika Kurre has more.

It's a job these workers have down packed, baking cookies and packaging them to be sold.

Rochelle Center employee Debbie Chadwick says, "The individuals that come and work in the program love it because they can actually see their product from beginning to end."

It may seem like just an activity, but to those with developmental disabilities at the Rochelle Center, it's fulfilling a purpose.

Cookie Works employee Shawn Byington says, "I really enjoy this because it's a new opportunity for me to and an opportunity for people of a little lower function to get a higher function."

Cookie Works began in November to provide job skills for employment in the food service industry.

Workers earn minimum wage.

From mixing the dough to packaging the cookies, the whole operation is inspected and approved by the health department.

The workers are taught cleanliness, the importance of wearing gloves, hairnets, and washing their hands often.

Byington says, "For a while, I didn't feel like I could do anything. But now, I'm starting to feel like I can do more and get out more and do more."

Chadwick says, "Right now, we have individuals working in several fast food restaurants. We have them with a large accounting firm in Nashville. Two individuals who are managing coffee service for a large large group of employees are responsible for the cleanliness and providing coffee and making sure everything is neat."

This is not only helping the workers, but the Rochelle Center.

After the state cut funding to mental retardation care providers by more than six percent, the facility started looking for more ways to be self-sufficient.

Cookie works pays for itself. It also shows the community that being disabled doesn't mean "unable".

"They are such good workers and such attention to task and really can do so many things if given the opportunity", says Chadwick.

Byington says, "It makes me feel more competent and everything and makes me want to get out there and do more and meet new people, meet new faces, tell people what I do and help them out if they need any help."

Erika Kurre, Fox 17 News.

"Cookie Works" is one of two self-determination industries provided through the Rochelle Center for job skill training.

The other is called "Clean Works".

It pays and trains workers in the cleaning industry.

If you would like to support the Rochelle Center and place an order through Cookie Works call 578-0041. Cookie Works Program - Erika Kurre