Sweet Beginnings 
An Urban Honey Transitional Jobs Program for the Formerly Incarcerated
NLEN has begun operating an Urban Honey Transitional Jobs social enterprise as a strategy for providing local employment for formerly incarcerated individuals and other low-income North Lawndale residents, and for promoting community economic development.
Participants in NLEN 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. 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.
Sweet Beginnings employees who were formerly incarcerated complete the U-Turn Permitted program before beginning their employment.
Individuals employed at this business are trained on the job as landscapers, beekeepers, and food processors. They are also exposed to retail sales, business management and development. Many of these employees will later pursue careers in landscaping, but most importantly, individuals employed for six months through this program will have work experience and the beginnings of an employment history.
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