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 April through mid November, 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
–Financial Literacy Coaching
–Field Trips
–Nutrition Classes
–Non-violent Communication Workshops
–Social/emotional learning workshop
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.
Nourishing Our Community With Dignity
At We The People Opportunity Farm, we believe access to fresh, healthy food is a right—not a privilege. Our no-cost food distribution program ensures that families facing food insecurity receive organically grown produce harvested by our interns, who are formerly incarcerated men and women.
This program does more than provide food—it creates connection, purpose, and healing. Each harvest is an opportunity for our interns to give back to the community in meaningful ways, and for our community to witness the powerful transformation that reentry and second chances can bring.
Every bag we share is a symbol of dignity, care, and hope.
For more information, please contact us.