Potter's House Bakery plans to build sensory room

ROCHESTER — Raising funds to create Cindy’s Sensory Room is a logical next step for the owners of Potter’s House Bakery and Cafe. Supporting people with autism has always been a big part of their mission.

Potter’s opened several years ago at 10 Chestnut Hill Road, and among Tim and Sue Wilson’s first employees were adults with autism. The new sensory room is designed to provide a quiet space for employees and children who visit the bakery and may have similar needs.

“I see parents coming in with their autistic children,” Sue Wilson said. “Sometimes it’s very noisy, the table isn’t ready and the children have a hard time dealing with that. Even for autistic adults, this will provide a quiet place, designed specifically as a sensory room, to resettle and feel comfortable again.”

Wilson said they did a lot of research on sensory rooms. They purchased the entire building they are in and will dedicate space to the sensory room. They found a company that specializes in sensory products, Southpaw of Ohio.

“The closest I found is in New Jersey, built by a grandfather for his family next to his restaurant,” she said. “We found this company and they’re going to do the design. I told them to make the best, most cutting-edge room possible, and we’ll see how much money we can raise to make it happen. I think we’re going to do it.”

Cindy Ziobrowski, the inspiration for the sensory room

According to the Wilsons, one of the reasons the bakery came about came from a relationship they forged with Cindy Ziobrowski, who ran a local chapter of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders. Working with her to find opportunities for adults, the bakery was born. Ziobrowski passed away in 2021. In her honor, the Wilsons plan to call the expanded space Cindy’s Sensory Room.

“Cindy dedicated her life to helping children with autism,” Wilson said. “We’re going to name the room after her because I don’t want anyone to forget her or the work she did. We love what we do and we make great products. But for us, at the end of the day, our mission is to help children and young adults.”

The initial cost of designing the project is estimated at $20,000. Wilson said with the help of a Rochester company called Alkegen, they are well on their way.

“They are donating $10,000 and will match our donations up to an additional $10,000,” Wilson said.

It is not yet known how much the construction of the hall will cost.

Alkegen, themselves in the health and wellness business, is a neighbor of Potter’s, located down the street at 134 Chestnut Hill Road.

“It’s also a funny story about how we connected,” Wilson said. “They were looking to do an event to thank their employees… They were looking for a kitchen they could rent out to make a bunch of lasagnas. We offered them our kitchen, so they could use it during the hours we weren’t using it. We said, ‘It’s free, you’re neighbors.’”

Wilson said Alkegen spokeswoman Shannon Schmidt reported the story to its St. Louis headquarters, and management jumped on board.

“I’ve known Tim and Sue for most of my life,” said Meghan Johnson, who is a teacher in the Dover school system and is helping the Wilsons with their fundraising efforts. “I have a younger brother who has autism, and this couple has become very important to my family.”

How you can help

The first fundraising event will be a barbecue on July 20 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Potter’s House. Johnson said tickets are $15 and include food and drinks, as well as a famous Potter’s cannoli. Tickets can be purchased or donations can be made by email at [email protected], on the Potter’s House Bakery and Cafe Facebook page or Cindy’s Sensory Room Facebook page or via pottershousebakeryandcafe.com.

Johnson said Alkegen would provide the food.

“We are currently looking for donations of items to use in a raffle,” Wilson said. “And of course, we accept cash donations.”