At We the People Opportunity Farm, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive community through our innovative programs. Our No-Cost Food Distribution initiative, launched in 2020, has provided over 35,000 pounds of food to our neighbors at no cost, strengthening our community ties and offering vital support. This work, backed by the United Way of Washtenaw County and the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, allows us to combat food insecurity in a healthy, inclusive, and just manner.
Additionally, our paid internship program for formerly incarcerated citizens aims to transform lives by providing comprehensive training and opportunities for growth. Through various farming activities and community engagement projects, our interns gain valuable skills and connections, ensuring they are well-prepared to thrive personally and professionally. Join us in our mission to create a more equitable and supportive community through these impactful programs.
Paid Internship Program
Paid Internship Program for Formerly Incarcerated Citizens
Our paid internship program for formerly incarcerated returning citizens is designed to change the soil in their lives, fostering growth and new opportunities. The program begins with an interview and orientation process, followed by a comprehensive needs and goal assessment.
Running from March through October, the internship includes a variety of farming-related activities such as prepping, planting, nurturing the soil, harvesting crops, and delivering produce to local restaurants. Additionally, interns receive literacy and educational training focused on the benefits of growing organic foods for both human health and the environment.
Our goal is to ensure that interns are well-connected to the community by the end of the program. We provide integrative support that extends beyond the internship itself, offering employment and educational opportunities, as well as ongoing assistance from our organization.
The internship also involves what we call Community Engagement Activities, which include:
– Career Building Workshops through Michigan Works
– Financial Literacy Coaching with Liberty Financial Services
– Home Rehabilitation Projects in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley
– Field Trips to expand learning and engagement
–Nutrition Classes with the Center for Functional Nutrition
–Non-violent Communication Workshops in partnership with the Center for Non violent Communications
–Social/emotional learning workshop in partnership with A Brighter Way.
By offering these experiences, we aim to equip our interns with the skills and connections they need to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in supporting their journey and fostering a more inclusive and just community.
No Cost Food Distribution
The No-Cost Food Distribution program began in 2020, and since then, We the People Opportunity Farm has distributed over 35,000 lbs of food to our surrounding neighbors at no cost. This initiative has deeply connected us with our community, allowing us to meet and support hundreds, if not thousands, of new people.
Our work is supported by the United Way of Washtenaw County and the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation. We are excited to continue this work, being a part of our community ecosystem and addressing food instability in a healthy, inclusive, and just manner.
For more information, please contact us.