Meet Abuk

Published May 11, 2021

Abuk just recently graduated from our Winter 2019 program. Life hasn’t been easy for Abuk, but she made the conscious, deliberate decision to pave a better future for herself. She always managed to make us smile with her surprising sass, and she loved channeling her inner diva for the camera. She continues to inspire us with her strength, resilience, and perseverance. Read more about Abuk’s story below.

What circumstances brought you to where you were before you joined Together We Bake?

Abuk: Being homeless, not having a job, and I just got out of jail.

What inspired you to apply to Together We Bake?

Abuk: I’m trying to get my life back together and gain a new skill.

How has Together We Bake changed your perspective on life?

Abuk: TWB helped me accept that it’s okay to make mistakes, and you can always get back up and start over.

Has someone at Together We Bake (a fellow participant, a volunteer, an instructor, etc.) had a particular influence on you?

Abuk: Yes, Ally. She’s very sweet, talks to me all the time, always asking me if I’m okay, and gives me a lot of hugs .

How would you describe Together We Bake?

Abuk: It’s a very loving place where women can be themselves, and no one judges them for what they have been through.

What do you feel is the most valuable thing Together We Bake does?

Abuk: TWB gives you a caseworker who helps you search for jobs and is someone you can talk to about what’s going on in your real life.

What is the most valuable thing you learned at Together We Bake?

Abuk: I learned how to bake cookies and negotiate.

Do you have any specific memories of experience at Together We Bake?

Abuk: Yes, talking with other women.

What was the most challenging thing about the program? How did you overcome that challenge?

Abuk: None.

What is something you are proud of that you achieved because of your participation in Together We Bake?

Abuk: TWB helped me find shelter and a safe place to go to after class.

What advice do you have for women considering applying to Together We Bake?

Abuk: Just do it. You have nothing to lose.