Southwest Portland bakery gives recovering brain injury patients 'opportunity'

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Adults facing barriers to work are baking up a storm at Sarah Bellum's in Southwest Portland, proving a little flour, sugar and support can go a long way.

The non-profit operated out of Multnomah Village has been changing lives one cupcake at a time. Their mission is to help adults recovering from brain injuries rebuild skills and confidence through baking and customer service.

Tali Woodbury is a speech-language pathologist-turned-baker who helps the non-profit fulfill its mission of giving hope and second chances to people wishing to re-enter the workforce.

Woodbury leads 40 rotating bakers, four at a time, crafting delicious treats while sticking to the recipes.

"A lot of them — most of them — were professionals at some point. And this gives them the opportunity to feel like they're doing something for the community," Woodbury said.

The bakers range in age from 19 to 70. They include Zach, bouncing back from a fall abroad and Amanda, who is rebuilding her life after a car crash.

Woodbury said customers often connect with their journey of recovery.

"We often see people coming back over and over again just because of that mission and that's very unique for a bakery," she said.

Chylese Austin is one such customer. She told KOIN 6 News it's a personal delight to come to the bakery because her cousin experienced a similar hardship.

"Who doesn't love a beautiful cupcake?" Austin said. "Doing such a great service for the community and for people who have had traumatic brain injuries and are trying to get back in the workforce."

The name Sarah Bellum's is a play on the word cerebellum, the brain's control center for movement and coordination.

The bakery said that over the years, they've helped dozens of people achieve a sense of independence once again.

"The connections that people make is pretty special," Woodbury said.

KOIN 6 has visited the bakery multiple times over the years. Their newest additions to the menu include gluten-free and certified kosher cupcakes and seasonal flavors for the holidays.

For a full list of Sarah Bellum's confections, check out their website.