You made this possible.

Your support changed my life. Really. My name is Zeke Coleman, and I am proud to be a worker-owner with Our Harvest Cooperative. Working at one of CUCI’s co-ops has made a huge difference in my life. Before I came to Our Harvest, I worked for five years in a local food-processing plant. Even though I trained in new workers, they would be the ones promoted, instead of me. The company started using reduction techniques with the people of color, which meant that the company made work terrible for us.

Since joining Our Harvest, I am no longer stressed at work or discriminated against as a Black man. In fact, it’s the opposite. At OHC, I was just promoted to the Food Hub Coordinator position after 5 years within the packing, delivery, and sales operations there. The opportunities to learn new skills and receive training in a variety of jobs within the co-op prepared me to step up into the coordinator role. The last 5 years have added so much to my life and my family’s life. I am a worker-owner of Our Harvest and a board member and feel so good about that and about the people I work with.  

Because of supporters like you, CUCI has helped us create our own family-sustaining jobs and learn important skills, like understanding the finances of our business and how to analyze key elements of our operations. They have also helped us create a culture of real, deep respect and cooperation.

I want other people to have the same. Please help us create these same opportunities for child care providers and grocery workers in 2019. With your support, we will build out at least three new co-ops that will enable 20-30 more people to start working this way within the year! Contributions can be made HERE!

Whatever amount, whether by monthly giving or by a one-time contribution, it will be put to the best use for workers, their families and the community. That is a real return on your investment.

Please consider making contribution today to help me and future worker-owners. Thank you.

Zeke Coleman
Coordinator, Our Harvest Food Hub

*Enter an amount and check ‘Make it Monthly’ to become a Sustaining Partner!