Greyston Bakery

From Bronx Beginnings to Global Impact:

Founded in 1982 by Zen Buddhist, Bernie Glassman, Greyston Bakery began in the Bronx, New York, with a revolutionary idea: bake delicious brownies while offering employment opportunities to individuals facing barriers to employment. This unconventional approach has blossomed into a thriving social enterprise, baking scrumptious brownies enjoyed worldwide while creating positive social change.

What does Big Lebowski's "The Dude", Ben & Jerry's, brownies and an aeronautical engineer turned Buddhist monk have in common?

Enter Greyston Bakery. pic.twitter.com/8NZ4zMwURH

— Greyston Bakery & Foundation (@GreystonBakery) November 2, 2023

Open Hiring: A Core Philosophy:

Greyston Bakery's defining feature is its Open Hiring policy. This unique approach eliminates traditional hiring requirements like resumes, interviews, or background checks. Instead, anyone who walks through the door is offered a job, regardless of their past experiences or qualifications. This philosophy stems from the belief that everyone deserves a chance to work and contribute, fostering inclusivity and empowering individuals to overcome challenges.

Beyond Employment: Supporting Growth:

Greyston Bakery doesn't just offer jobs; it provides comprehensive support and training. Through their holistic approach, employees gain valuable skills in baking, production, and customer service, while also receiving coaching on personal development, financial literacy, and housing assistance. This empowers them to build a brighter future beyond the bakery walls.

Beyond Brownies: A Diverse Product Portfolio:

While brownies remain their signature product, Greyston Bakery has expanded its offerings. They now produce a variety of delicious treats, including:

• Blondies
• Vegan brownies
• Gluten-free options
• Seasonal specialty brownies

Their baked goods are available online, in retail stores across the US, and even as inclusions in Ben & Jerry's ice cream!

A Legacy of Social Impact:

Greyston Bakery's impact extends far beyond the delicious brownies they bake. Here's a glimpse of their remarkable achievements:

• Empowering individuals: Over the years, Greyston Bakery has provided employment and support to over 1,000 individuals, helping them overcome personal challenges and build successful careers.
• Building community: They actively contribute to the Yonkers community through various initiatives, promoting local economic development and fostering a sense of belonging.
• Inspiring social change: Their innovative Open Hiring model has been replicated by organizations around the world, making a lasting impact on countless individuals and communities.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future:

Greyston Bakery remains committed to its mission of "baking brownies and building lives." They envision a future where their model inspires widespread adoption, creating a world where opportunity and inclusion are within reach for everyone.

Events and Involvement:

Greyston Bakery actively participates in various events throughout the year, including:

• Open House: Provides a behind-the-scenes look at their bakery operations and Open Hiring process.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Offers individuals the chance to contribute and learn about their work.
• Community Events: Participates in local events to connect with the community and spread their message.

Photos and Visuals:

While I cannot directly display visuals, Greyston Bakery's website and social media pages feature various photos showcasing their bakery, employees, and delicious products. These visuals can further enhance your understanding of their story and impact.

In conclusion, Greyston Bakery is more than just a bakery. It's a symbol of hope, opportunity, and the power of social enterprise. Their commitment to creating positive change through delicious brownies and empowering individuals makes them a truly inspiring organization.