Boeing-Sponsored Fund-Raiser Helps Nonprofit Expand Employment Program
March 8, 2006
Honey figured prominently into the North Lawndale Employment Network's (NLEN) first-ever fund-raiser, a recent high tea at the Park Hyatt Hotel Chicago and the restaurant NoMI. Sponsored by Boeing Chicago Community and Education Relations, and featuring Anne Roosevelt, C&ER vice president, as a guest speaker, the fund-raiser benefited the organization's employment and training programs, particularly its Urban Honey Transitional Jobs Initiative.
Called "Sweet Beginnings," the initiative provides local employment for formerly incarcerated individuals and other low-income North Lawndale residents who grow and harvest natural, chemical-free honey. Program participants receive training in beekeeping, retail sales, distribution, landscaping and horticulture and food handling.
According to Brenda Palms Barber, NLEN chief executive officer, participants in the organization's programs, although typically motivated, have little experience in the workplace. "Formerly incarcerated individuals are banned from many careers, and employers in sectors that do allow for their employment often do not want to hire them," she said. Palms Barber noted that for many formerly incarcerated individuals seeking employment, nontraditional jobs and self-employment are the only feasible options. "Urban farming, and honey production in particular, are industries that are open to formerly incarcerated individuals. The skills required are complex, but do not require extensive education or credentials," she said.
In accepting thanks for being the first sponsor to sign on for the fund-raiser, Roosevelt said, "Supporting the work that NLEN does aligns with Boeing's belief that every citizen with the commitment to becoming a productive, engaged and successful member of society should be provided the opportunity do so. We are proud to have been able to make this fund-raiser a reality." In addition to the Boeing grant, Boeing employees will be helping NLEN develop a business plan to support its expanded Beeline business through a project being sponsored by the Employee Volunteer Council of Boeing Chicago .
Founded in 2004, Sweet Beginnings sells its honey under the "Beeline" brand primarily through the Green City Market in Chicago 's Lincoln Park and the Oak Park Farmers market. The honey is produced at more than 50 apiaries located near Garfield and Douglass Parks and elsewhere in the city. Beeline honey is being used by NoMi's executive pastry chef in many of the food items served at the high tea. Urban honey is reported to be of a higher quality and have a better taste than rural farmed honey due to the high diversity and density of the flowering plants typically found in large cities.
Money raised from the fund-raiser will be used to build the capacity of the organization so that it can better respond to the growing demand for more jobs, as well as for the honey itself. The funds also will support the development of five cosmetic products (i.e., a facial scrub, a body scrub, two kinds of lip balm and a body bar), which are being test marketed now. Additionally, Sweet Beginnings plans to conduct a limited test of a health-related product -honey with pollen - and is exploring a joint marketing, venture or production relationship with another social venture that produces soap.
Funds raised also will go toward the purchase of additional apiaries, which will allow the organization to increase its yield of honey, generate additional sales, and expand the number of program participants.
In addition to the farmers markets mentioned above, Beeline honey also has been sold at special neighborhood and community events as well as several local restaurants. Of note, the City of Chicago ordered 350 jars to give to visitors and sponsors.
"We're very excited about this opportunity to expand Sweet Beginnings and the number of people it helps," said Palms Barber. "Individuals employed through this program are able to get work experience and the beginnings of an employment history that will allow them to begin to build a new life for themselves and their families - something they may never have had the chance to do otherwise."
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