Cypress House was inspired by the Bakery at Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles. Founded and directed by Gregory Boyle, S. J., Homeboy Industries began as a bakery in a gang-ridden neighborhood which provided employment to rival gang members. It is now the largest gang-intervention program providing social services in the world. In 2019, Board members met with Boyle in Los Angeles to discuss the creation of a comprehensive program dedicated to applying the same loving and spiritual sentiments to the Scranton community.
The decision to open a bakery is bolstered by recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicating that employment opportunities for bakers is projected to grow by 8% from 2021 to 2031, surpassing the average growth for all occupations.
Cypress House Bakery would be located initially in the Throop Parish House kitchen, while a larger downstairs space is renovated into a non-profit commercial bakery and café.
This year, we have engaged the services of Martina Bacarella Architectural Firm. With over 30 years experience, Bacarella has submitted architectural plans and two designs with 3D renderings which will transform St. Luke’s parish house kitchen into a bakery arts classroom. The space will be designed and structured as a teaching facility – making it into part classroom, part baking lab. The baking classroom will include state-of-the-art equipment but also spaces for each apprentice to engage in interactive, hands-on learning.
