Bake Blue Bakery To Support Autism Awareness

In recognition of April’s Autism Awareness Month and World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, Bake Blue Bakery will debut a specially-created cookie, the Blue Puzzle Piece, as a tribute to autism awareness and the mission of the bakery, available exclusively during April. Founded by Debra Pennington and her son Reed Pennington, Bake Blue Bakery launched in August 2025 in Spanish Fort under a cottage license. What started in a home kitchen has grown into a bigger vision: a storefront bakery that serves the community while creating pathways for adults with disabilities to work. The “Blue” in the bakery’s name represents autism awareness, while the bakery’s symbol, the great blue heron, reflects patience, resilience, wisdom and strength. Diagnosed with high-functioning autism at age 12, Reed Pennington worked several jobs after high school and learned firsthand how difficult it can be for autistic adults to find the right fit. Bake Blue Bakery continues to expand its offerings while finalizing plans for the opening of a storefront bakery in late spring to serve as both a business and a place of belonging for families and individuals across the community.