*Please note: this story was originally featured in SOAR365’s Fall NEWZ publication. Click here to view the full newsletter.
When Scotty first tried baking muffins at SOAR365’s Staples Mill location, he got more than a tasty treat – he found a new passion. Mixing ingredients, following recipes, and sharing baked goods with his friends gave him a sense of pride.
Since then, baking has become one of his favorite activities, and he now leads the baking group of the Adult Day program every other Thursday. “I like baking because it takes my mind off things, and because I get to teach other people,” Scotty explains.
Direct Support Professional (DSP) Evelyn Williams remembers the moment Scotty’s interest showed. “When he brought in his lunch, he would tell me he cooked it himself,” she says. “The first thing he made here were muffins and he’s been baking ever since.”
With their support, Scotty has been studying recipes and writing down measurements. He even bought his own measuring cups!
Scotty shares his passion with his friends, leading them through each step of a recipe. He tells them when to fill a measuring cup with water, pour oil into the pan, or set the oven to preheat. “By teaching other people, I learn more too,” Scotty says.
Sometimes things don’t go as planned – like the time the group realized they were out of cooking oil, mid-recipe. Luckily, they had applesauce on hand, which delivered the same delicious results. It was a great teaching moment, helping Scotty and his friends learn creative problem-solving.
But Scotty’s favorite part is seeing everyone enjoy what he makes. After each session, participants gather to eat together. “Getting a piece makes me happy,” he says. “And everybody else that helps, it makes them happy too.”
“Scotty really enjoys leading the group, and the other participants love joining him,” Evelyn says. “It feels good to find something they really enjoy. It’s about encouraging them to try new things and experiencing it together.”
At SOAR365, that spirit of discovery is alive every day, and for Scotty, it’s baked into every muffin, cake and cookie he makes.
To learn more about SOAR365’s Adult Day Support program, click here.
