Memphis Bakery Provides Employment and Training for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness
Lucy J’s, a bakery in Memphis, is offering employment and training opportunities to individuals seeking a fresh start, particularly those experiencing homelessness. Head baker Josh Burgess, who also serves as the bakery's executive director, stated that the bakery aims to provide a path forward for its employees. The bakery, named after Burgess's daughter and eldest son, is known for popular items such as sourdough and cheddar jalapeno bread, alongside sweet and savory pockets, croissants, cupcakes, and cookies. Josh Burgess's wife, Tracy Burgess, is the executive director of Dorothy Day House, a Memphis nonprofit that offers temporary housing and support services to families experiencing homelessness. Lucy J's collaborates with Dorothy Day House to provide jobs, paying workers $15 an hour. The bakery's mission extends beyond selling baked goods, focusing on community support and creating sustainable employment for those in need.