Eating cookies might not save the world, but thanks to Dara Davignon, it makes life sweeter for Massachusetts foster kids. Davignon owns Jake’s Kids, a hot-out-of-the-oven baking mix business that helps customers stir up delicious cookies at home and sends 5% of its proceeds to Wonderfund of MA.
“Wonderfund works with DCF to give foster kids passes to theme parks, gift cards to movie theaters, duffle bags full of clothes. They provide funding for summer camps, SAT prep courses, music lessons… the same kinds of fun things a biological child might enjoy,” said Davignon, who launched her business on May 17, exactly two years after she adopted her funny, kind foster son, Jake.
“After Jake came into my life, I wanted to do something to help kids in foster care,” Davignon said. She considered going back to school for social work, but this Holyoke mom decided to put her expertise in product development, merchandising, and e-commerce under the broiler instead. The result, after a year and a half of flour on her counters and friends gobbling up her “failed” attempts, was Jake’s Kids, a baking mix company with a good deed for foster children sealed into every pouch.
So far, Jake’s Kids’ most popular flavor is Magic Rainbow, a sprinkle-infused bit of white-chocolate nirvana impossible to eat without a smile. Cookie connoisseurs also love Super Duper Chocolate Chip, Dreamy Double Chocolate, and (for purists) Natural Oatmeal Raisin. Be sure to include “S’mores” on your order. It’s an ideal, summertime treat, and Davignon said it took her about a dozen tweaks master its glorious gooeyness!
With seven flavors in all, cookie-cravers can find Jake’s Kids at Jakeskids.com, Amazon.com, or, soon, right at Delaney’s Market.
Of course, the “Become a Foster Parent” link at Jakeskids.com gives customers more than cookies to chew on.
“Foster care isn’t for everyone, but I definitely encourage anyone who has an interest in it to open your mind. Open your heart. Think about it and at least take the training class. You can always say no if it isn’t a good fit for you,” Davignon said. The Jake’s Kids web site includes a foster parent blog, information about types of foster parenting, and state-by-state resources of how to learn more.
“Jake has taught me a kind of love I never knew I could experience,” Davignon said. “It just warms your heart knowing you’re helping a child. It’s such a good feeling.