Model Program - Twainland Cheesecake Co.
Where Happiness is Homemade
Twainland Cheesecake Company was created to employ women who are living in poverty. We produce and distribute our cheesecakes worldwide.
Our mission is to maximize personal economic and/or social potential and provide training and educational opportunities for an improved quality of life. Working hand in hand for a better tomorrow."
--Lynn Carr
Twainland Cheesecake Company is truly a success in many ways. Not only is it a profitable cheesecake company and restaurant, but it also helps women living in poverty. Lynn Carr, owner, established the company for the purpose of creating employment and educational opportunities for women. Carr, who was once homeless, opened Twainland Cheesecake Company and Cafe three years ago. She and 14 female employees make 110 types of cheesecakes.
Carr plans to expand by the fall of 1998 to a bigger plant with 50 full-time employees. Carr gives her employees much of the credit for the company’s success.
Yet the women she hires are those that most employers shy away from--high school dropouts, welfare moms, women often from the wrong side of the tracks. When the new factory opens, most of the workers will be poor, under- educated women looking for a break. The new full-time factory will be a "total program" including a learning center and an on-site day care center. The employees will start out working in the day-care center, learning parenting and nutritional skills. Part of their workday will be spent studying for high school equivalency diplomas, which will be required before they can begin working full-time in the factory. Tutors will be on hand to help them study.
Lynn Carr is truly an inspiration to all of us working in the human service field. I had the opportunity to hear Lynn Carr speak about her business and program. She was truly remarkable! I have also had the pleasure to eat at The Cafe located in Hannibal. The food was excellent and service was great. It is so exciting to see what one woman can do for others. We should all learn by her example.
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Nancy Flood, floodn@missouri.edu Consumer & Family Economics Specialist Putnam County University Outreach and Extension Center Last Update: May 23, 2001 |
