Battle Creek's DelectAble Treats and Sweets Aims to Employ People with Disabilities

Felicia Jaramillo opened the bakery to create jobs for her sons and others with developmental challenges.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Felicia Jaramillo has opened DelectAble Treats and Sweets, a new bakery in Battle Creek, Michigan, with the goal of providing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Inspired by her own sons' struggles to find work, Jaramillo has created a business that emphasizes inclusivity and community. The bakery offers gourmet bagels, sandwiches, and other treats, all made with a focus on quality and care.

Why it matters

The unemployment rate for people with disabilities is more than twice that of those without a disability, highlighting a significant gap in employment opportunities. Jaramillo's business aims to address this issue by creating a welcoming and supportive work environment for those who may face barriers to traditional employment.

The details

Jaramillo's journey to opening DelectAble began in her hometown of Van Wert, Ohio, where she sought treatment for addiction and found a new path forward. After graduating from Kellogg Community College with a business degree, she began testing out recipes and selling her products at local farmers' markets. With the support of organizations like Battle Creek Food Reimagined and Northern Initiatives, Jaramillo was able to secure funding and resources to open her brick-and-mortar location inside the Battle Creek Innovation Hub.

  • Jaramillo won a Golden Spoon award at the annual Food Prize event held at Kellogg Arena in 2024.
  • In March 2025, Jaramillo received a mobile food license, enabling her to sell bagel sandwiches at farmers' markets.
  • Jaramillo opened the doors to DelectAble Treats and Sweets on February 24, 2026.

The players

Felicia Jaramillo

The founder of DelectAble Treats and Sweets, a bakery in Battle Creek, Michigan that aims to provide employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Canaan

Jaramillo's 16-year-old son who is on the autism spectrum, inspiring her to open the business.

Carter

Jaramillo's 17-year-old son who has severe ADHD, also inspiring her to create employment opportunities for those with developmental challenges.

Battle Creek Food Reimagined (BCFR)

A local organization that provided support and resources to Jaramillo as she worked to get her business off the ground.

Northern Initiatives

An organization supported by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) that helped Jaramillo write a business plan, learn financial literacy, and discover funding and lending opportunities.

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What they’re saying

“These guys want and need jobs. They just want to hang out and be part of the community. In almost every job they get, they get bullied because they can't learn fast enough. It's heartbreaking to me because they're fun and they're smart.”

— Felicia Jaramillo, Founder, DelectAble Treats and Sweets

What’s next

Jaramillo plans to continue growing her business and expanding the number of employment opportunities she can provide for individuals with disabilities in the Battle Creek community.

The takeaway

DelectAble Treats and Sweets is a heartwarming example of how a small business can make a big impact by creating inclusive job opportunities for those who may face barriers to traditional employment. Jaramillo's dedication to her community and her sons' well-being is an inspiration, and her bakery serves as a model for other entrepreneurs looking to make a difference.