Kindred Voices: Makaio and Rohan

"I’ve lived here since ’93. My son Makaio is on the spectrum. We need more things like Kindred, I love it. It helps the kids, not only in the kitchen, but to express themselves and communicate with people. I see the results with my son. He can go in the kitchen and make something, do things he never used to do before." – Rohan, father of Makaio

Makaio, Kindred Participant

We don’t have a lot of programs, especially with kids on the spectrum. When you have a program like this, that directly teaches life skills—how to cook something, how to bake something—it’s really good. And I can tell you, as a father raising an autistic son, this is God sent. 

Rohan, Makaio's dad being interviewed by Emma.

"Maiko’s home-schooled, so this is a place where he gets to meet people, be part of something. I’ve seen him sell what he bakes, talk to customers, laugh with other kids. As a father, seeing him do something new puts a smile on my face.

If another family asked me [about Kindred Bakery], I’d tell them: give it a shot. You are not going to regret it. It’s not just baking; they can communicate, can hold a conversation, can sell something. That’s a life skill." – Rohan, father of Makaio

"They have nice people there. And what they teach you is absolutely superb. I learned new skills here, baking, and also making new friends. That’s a life skill too." – Makaio, Kindred Bakery participant

Kindred Voices is a series of profiles of Kindred Bakery BK's program participants and their family members.

Donate today to help us open more doors, train more young people, and keep our inclusive kitchen thriving. https://www.kindredbakerybk.org/donate

Thank you to Caroline Emma Moore and Adam Nemcsek for supporting this series.