Happy holidays from Integrated Community Services (ICS)! We truly appreciate your continued support as we partner with 300+ individuals with any type of disability on their path to independence, from building a career, to securing stable housing, to becoming active in our community.
Each year, we grow our programs to create more opportunities for people with disabilities. In 2020, we are excited to launch a new social enterprise program, Homegrown Organics.
Our clients will gain in-depth agriculture and business knowledge, be paid a living wage, have opportunities for promotions and ultimately be able to move off of public benefits.
Our community will have the opportunity to work closely with and get to know people with disabilities, leading to increased job opportunities for our clients.
Our organization will earn income from this social enterprise program, moving us closer towards our goal of reducing our dependency on government funding.
Homegrown Organics will offer permanent employment for ICS clients who are interested in the high-demand field of sustainable agriculture. Currently, ICS offers six months of paid job training at our garden, GEM, which teaches clients career skills and basic horticulture. However, many GEM graduates are eager to build careers in sustainable agriculture but need to build further expertise and qualifications. Homegrown Organics will teach that expertise.
Because this program will provide permanent employment, it isn’t eligible for public funding. We need your support to raise $20,000 for initial supplies and clients’ salaries. Homegrown Organics will break even in its second year, so your donation will not only launch this program, but make it financially sustainable. You can donate online with the link below or by check to 3020 Kerner Blvd., Ste. A, San Rafael, CA 94901.
On behalf of our clients, staff and partners, thank you and happy holidays!