SKOKIE — A Skokie food entrepreneur is making more than just sweet treats — she’s creating real job opportunities for people with disabilities, thanks to a unique kitchen-sharing partnership that’s redefining inclusion.
What started as a small-batch marshmallow side hustle has evolved into a socially conscious enterprise, as Elle’s Marshmallows, founded by local food stylist and Skokie village trustee Lissa Levy, now operates out of a commercial kitchen owned by Shore Community Services, a nonprofit supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across 20 Chicago-area communities.
From Basement Startup to Inclusive Kitchen
Levy originally launched Elle’s Marshmallows out of her basement, handcrafting gourmet marshmallows in innovative flavors like honey rosemary, Hawaiian coffee, and spiked hazelnut. But limited space and restrictive food safety regulations stifled expansion — until Shore Community Services proposed a mutually beneficial idea.
“Every time I cooked, I’d be running equipment up and down the stairs,” Levy said. “Now I can produce in a commercial-grade kitchen and finally scale.”
That kitchen? It’s Shore’s. And in return for using the space rent-free, Levy agreed to employ Shore clients in her operations — opening the door to meaningful, paid employment for people often left out of the job market.
Employment, Empowerment, and Marshmallows
The first to benefit was Janie Walcoff, a Shore client who now earns $15/hour packaging marshmallows.
Asked what she enjoys most about the job, Walcoff smiled and replied simply: “Money.”
But beyond the paycheck, the experience is transformative. Levy says working alongside Walcoff at local markets — including her first appearance at the Skokie Farmers’ Market — has been a joyful journey.
“The difference between her previous job bagging groceries and this one is night and day,” Levy said. “It’s just joyful!”
Walcoff’s craftsmanship now reaches far beyond Skokie. Because of the kitchen’s commercial designation, Levy can sell across state lines and distribute wholesale to retailers — something that was legally impossible from her home.
Quadrupled Sales, Real Impact
Since the move, Elle’s Marshmallows’ sales have quadrupled, and the brand’s visibility has grown with every market booth and wholesale order.
Levy credits Shore’s support and the shared kitchen model for helping her business — and her mission — thrive.
“I really couldn’t have asked for a better situation,” she said.
And the impact goes both ways. Shore is now calling on more small businesses to follow Levy’s lead — offering employment to clients in exchange for access to the commercial kitchen.
A Model for Inclusive Entrepreneurship
According to Anni Braverman, director of vocational services at Shore, the job market still presents serious challenges for people with disabilities. While awareness is growing, many positions demand a level of flexibility or speed that isn’t accessible to all candidates.
“More and more jobs want people to be able to do everything,” Braverman said. “That’s not realistic — but partnerships like this one prove that inclusion is possible.”
Shore is also renovating a new job training center in Morton Grove, further expanding its mission to prepare clients for the workforce.
As both Levy and Walcoff continue to build their bond over marshmallows, the story serves as a compelling example of what happens when community, creativity, and compassion meet in the kitchen.
Want to Help?
Shore is actively seeking other entrepreneurs and food makers interested in similar partnerships. Whether you’re a baker, caterer, or small-scale food producer, this model offers a low-cost, high-impact way to grow your business while making a social difference.
To learn more, visit:
🔗 Elle’s Marshmallows
🔗 Shore Community Services
Have you seen similar business partnerships in your area?
Let us know in the comments on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com — we’d love to feature more local success stories like this one.
