KIKA ~our Sister Merrill
From Bread n’ Basics to Sweet Salvations
What started as two moms determined to support their daughters’ love of baking has risen into something far bigger: a bakery with heart and a mission.
On Aug. 1, Anna Merrill and Amber Harston officially opened the doors of Sweet Salvation, formerly Bread n’ Basics Bakery in Snowflake. More than a bakery, Sweet Salvation is one of the cornerstone programs of Everyone Happier And Healthier: A Belonging Initiative, a new nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for people of all abilities through work, learning, and community connection.
Their goal isn’t just to serve wholesome breads, desserts and comfort food; it’s to create a space where people of all abilities can find meaningful work, learn new skills and belong.
“We wanted a safe place for people to come, to hang out, and to show that there are healthier ways to still have treats,” said Merrill, who put up the funds to buy the bakery. “We use homemade applesauce instead of oil, honey instead of sugar, grind our own wheat, and recently introduced Kamut flour as a healthier bread option. We’re also working on gluten-free options.”
For Merrill, who has been teaching health and guiding others in healing for more than a dozen years, the bakery is also a way to teach healthy eating hands-on.
The two moms volunteer their time to keep the bakery running, both for their own daughters, Caroline Merrill and Kaylee Harston, and for others in the community. Merrill, who is also an artist, illustrator and teacher, has long been an advocate for inclusion as one of the driving forces behind Special Olympics Unified Lobos in the White Mountains.
“We helped to pioneer the unified movement in Arizona,” Merrill said of her 12-plus years working with Special Olympics athletes. “It means you, I, or anyone can be on the team. It catches those that fall between the cracks and brings a society together. Kids and adults are finding they have skills. It builds confidence, relationships and leadership skills.”
That same belief in inclusion carries over to Sweet Salvation, where programs are being created for people on Supplemental Security Income to earn rewards instead of paychecks, while learning practical job skills.
“Some of the goals can be earning pots and pans or kitchen appliances. It gives them a place to work and learn,” Merrill said.
Kaylee, Harston’s daughter, has earned the nickname “the sourdough queen.” Caroline, known for her “Sweet Caroline brownies,” spent more than a year interning at the bakery before Merrill stepped in to buy it when Bread n’ Basics announced it would close.
“Mom didn’t want Caroline to lose all her hard work, so she bought the bakery to keep it going,” said Merrill’s daughter, Charlotte.
Harston said the project has been as much about family as it has been about flour. “We’re doing this for our girls and having fun,” she said.
One of the newest team members is Desiree Scholin, who has a disability and is also on the Special Olympics Unified team. This is her first job, and she participates in the rewards program at Sweet Salvation. Recently, she learned how to make pot pies for the first time. “I think it’s exciting to know this is her very first job,” Merrill said. “She’s learning new things every week and becoming excellent at making the crust.”
Debbie Vance, former owner of Bread n’ Basics, is pictured with Caroline Merrill before the bakery was sold. Merrill worked with Vance for nearly a year perfecting the brownies that now bear her name, “Sweet Caroline.”
Known around town for walking everywhere she goes, Scholin has quickly become a familiar face behind the bakery counter as well.
And it’s not just sweets. While cinnamon rolls and pot pies are everyday favorites, other items are available through special order, including family meals.
For Merrill and Harston, the venture is about more than business. It’s about building opportunity, spreading joy and serving up baked goods with a side of compassion. As the new banner outside proclaims: “Sweet Salvation: Where every life rises happier and healthier.”
Happier and healthier
Sweet Salvation Bakery is just one piece of a larger vision known as Everyone Happier and Healthier: A Belonging Initiative, the nonprofit founded by Merrill and her family.
The initiative is dedicated to providing inclusive programs where people of all abilities, including those with special needs, can find community, purpose and opportunities to thrive.
Alongside the bakery, programs include supportive housing and therapies such as art therapy and horse therapy, all designed to foster belonging and build confidence. Partnerships with Special Olympics Unified also remain a cornerstone of the mission.
The nonprofit is currently in the process of finalizing its tax status. While donations are not yet tax-deductible, support helps directly fund programs that provide:
- Job training and inclusive work opportunities
- Expanded community programs for all abilities
- A sustainable model for supportive housing
“We want people to know this isn’t just about bread and brownies,” Merrill said. “It’s about teaching healthy living, giving people hands-on skills, and creating a place where everyone belongs.”
To learn more or get involved in the programs, visit merrillbudz.org.
Sweet Salvation Bakery at 687 Main Street in Snowflake is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
September 5
Happy Birthday Great Grandma Pember!
September 6
Lots of athletes overcoming fears. So proud of them!! Cheering each other on 
Special Olympics Unified Regional Swim Meet. I love the relays, the confidence, the growth, the friendships and the big smiles 
September 8
finally getting on the road. An afternoon trip to County Fair turned out to be an all nighter. Lol! 
Thankful for the good people in Holbrook who helped get us out. Lots of great teenagers and youth, who were so supportive and kind. 
Such a wonderful time with family, friends, and new neighbors!  We love our neighbors!  Food, visiting , pool, pond, sports, Live music 
and karaoke 
 15 years of tradition and fun! Thank you all for coming and celebrating friendships at our home. #madnesswiththemerrillbudz #TaylorFarms #livelifeactivated
So excited!! Sister Merrill will be the best missionary!! So grateful for her and to God. 
and nice job being so inviting and encouraging to others others are going to be joining our team because of your willingness to love and invite and inspire others.Coaches Loren and Anna
This weekend she shared her heart about how life’s trials have become blessings. 
After a couple days at Phoenix Children’s, Banner & Barrow, we’re finally here — Benson Boone tonight! All the hard work to stay healthy = moments like this. 
#CelebrateLife #BensonBoone #livelifeactivated #poweredbyaxio #merrillbudz #madnesswiththemerrillbudz #merrillsworktogetherplaytogetherstaytogether
