Marie's Homemade Breads
Marie Younger Blackburn of Mashpee is a fierce advocate for fairness and equity for all, and in particular for her youngest son, Chase Bradford Younger Blackburn, born with Down syndrome and several accompanying issues.
Blackburn’s degree from Johnson & Wales University in Providence gave her the drive and the expertise to open Delicious Catering in the late 80s. Three sons and 30 years later, her eldest, Ralph Jason Younger, who was raised catering alongside his mother, opened Simply Black & White Hospitality Management. Younger owns the Falmouth-based business while Blackburn is the marketing manager, and they cater both on and off Cape.
As Chase neared sixteen, Blackburn opted to use her baking skills to provide an avenue for him to earn money, gain self-respect and learn to interact with lots of new people. “A typical fifteen-year-old begins to find meaningful, age-appropriate work right about now and we want the same opportunities for Chase,” Blackburn explains.
Blackburn’s strengths in networking and relationship-building on Cape Cod made the perfect blend with her culinary skills to launch Marie’s Homemade Breads. Chase would be an integral part of the plan. In order to attend Camp Lyndon in Sandwich, where he has been a camper since age six, Chase needs a dedicated aide. A former fellow camper stepped up this year to be his aide and Chase has partially funded this position through his wages and tips. He feels great about that. Blackburn set a target of selling 100 breads this past summer and, with a lot of happy customers and some repeat business, they surpassed that goal.
It’s a team effort: Blackburn bakes fresh banana and fresh blueberry bundt-style breads—generously studded and succulent— while Chase assembles the boxes for the day’s deliveries. Once the breads are made—using butter and loads of blueberries or well-ripened bananas—cooled and in the box, Chase carefully puts a sticker on each to seal in the deliciousness. Off they go for deliveries after camp or school has ended for the day.
“Who says that teenagers don’t want to work? Chase gets a kick out of delivering Marie’s Homemade Breads,” Blackburn asserts knowingly.
The breads make a wonderful and delicious hostess gift or family breakfast. An apple cinnamon walnut bread has been introduced for the fall to keep Chase busy and productive.
A huge smile and a slice of delicious fresh bread, what could be nicer?
To order call 617-620-4012.
