Author: Dan Porter

A letter from David Tanner, who was recently released after being incarcerated for 20 years: Misunderstandings: Everyone’s so eager and anxious for us to be re-acclimated into the workforce, but nobody stops to think if it’s going to have negative psychological effects on us if we start too soon. We want to work, but after…

  Felt + Fat makes modern ceramic tableware by hand at their studio in Kensington. Founded by Nathaniel Mell in 2014, Felt + Fat has hired two participants from Baker Industries since 2020 and has inquired about a third. “As a small business owner, I don’t have the capacity to vet new hires, so Baker…

    In a typical (non-pandemic) year, Baker welcomes hundreds of volunteers – individuals and groups – to our facilities. Volunteers play a vital role at Baker Industries, working side by side with our program participants to assist, encourage, listen, and support them as they prepare to take the next positive step toward permanent employment…

      Dawn Kuhn, President of Advocates Outreach in Exton, has a lot of knowledge about the employment options available to adults with disabilities, having provided job support services to them for over seven years. As a job coach, Dawn helps people with disabilities learn and perform their work duties. In addition to working…

Justin Baker grew up with significant health challenges – traumatic brain injury and epilepsy with seizures that plagued him from birth. As he entered young adulthood, Justin wanted what so many of us want – and often take for granted – the opportunity to work and earn a paycheck. Justin had a couple of champions…

  Dyad Enterprise is a business success story emerging from the pandemic. Looking for a way to help people impacted by the shutdown get back to work, business partners Mark Bartosh, Dan Gerrity and David Brumbaugh started a company that provides a full solution offering in customized kitting and fulfillment. With a large order of Covid-19…

  In 2018, Bill attended the graduation of the first cohort of Baker Industries’ innovative Job Readiness program. He was deeply impressed by the participant’s stories of growth and transformation. Bill says, “Social justice is a historical cornerstone of the Barnes Foundation’s mission. When I discovered that art was a part of the Baker program…

The Eagles continue to support nonprofits that work to reduce barriers to opportunity and end racism. In support of Black History Month, the Eagles are proud to recognize the work of one of these nonprofits each day. In 1980, Charles and Louise Baker wanted to find a job for their adult son, Justin. The issue?…

  After making six figures working for a Fortune 500 company, earning 17 cents per hour while incarcerated was humbling for Juanita. But she was taught that all work is honorable work, and Juanita held on to that belief, regardless of the wage. Motivated to get the most out of her Baker experience, Juanita quickly…