A Vision of Community, Inclusion, and Opportunity. Mammaw Sandy’s Kitchen Featuring Thornberry’s Bakery (MSK&T) was created with a clear purpose—to merge culinary tradition with workforce development. Founded by Alayna Johnston and Esther Jackson, MSK&T is a nonprofit café and bakery that provides hands-on job training for individuals with disabilities, equipping them with skills for long-term employment. Our goal is to operate an inclusive, professional space where people of all abilities can develop job skills, gain real-world experience, and transition into the workforce. At the same time, we offer high-quality food and baked goods, continuing a rich tradition that has been part of the Louisville community for generations. Honoring Mammaw Sandy’s Legacy Mammaw Sandy was known for welcoming everyone into her kitchen, offering them food and conversation without hesitation. She believed in creating a space where people felt valued, seen, and supported. That same philosophy is embedded in our organization. A defining part of her kitchen was a red wicker stool, where family and friends would gather. Now, that stool is proudly represented in our logo, symbolizing community, connection, and opportunity. MSK&T continues her legacy by providing a structured training environment where individuals—regardless of their abilities—can build essential job skills, gain confidence, and contribute to the workforce. Thornberry’s Bakery: A Legacy of Quality and Craftsmanship The Thornberry family’s baking tradition dates back to 1936, when Joseph Carroll Thornberry opened his first shop in Louisville, Kentucky. Over the decades, Thornberry’s Bakery became a household name, known for its homemade pies, cakes, and pastries crafted with time-honored recipes and dedication to quality. From running a grocery store and restaurant in the 1940s to becoming a well-established wholesale bakery, the Thornberry family built a business based on craftsmanship and customer trust. The bakery remained in the family for decades, but in 2013, rising operational costs led to its closure. In March 2025, Thornberry’s Bakery joined forces with Mammaw Sandy’s Kitchen, reopening as part of a social enterprise focused on job training and community impact. This partnership ensures that the bakery’s rich traditions continue while supporting a new generation of workers gaining real-world skills. Job Training Through Culinary Excellence At MSK&T, every meal and baked good serves a dual purpose: delivering exceptional quality while providing critical hands-on training. Our Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and Pre-Vocational (Pre-Voc) programs offer individuals with disabilities a structured, professional work environment to develop job skills, gain confidence, and secure future employment. We aren’t just training employees—we are preparing individuals for long-term careers, fostering independence, and building a more inclusive workforce.