"My paycheck is survival!"—HGP Trainee
The Impact Fund supports trainee wages. Wages are an essential part of the transitional employment strategy and help trainees to meet basic needs, foster stability, and reinforce standards of employment. Or, in other words, as a trainee stated clearly at our weekly circle meeting, “My paycheck is survival.”
Since 2014, 96% of our graduates secured stable jobs and 87% of graduates obtained stable housing.
We grow thousands of pounds of fresh, organic produce annually which is distributed to nonprofits throughout Santa Cruz County serving hundreds of our neighbors. Since 2020, we have more than doubled the number of shares provided to our neighbors.
Check out this short video below about our work - how we plant seeds and transform lives - created as a part of receiving UCSC's Community Changemaker award this spring, and please join us in supporting the Impact Fund so that we can provide our proven, successful program to more individuals experiencing homelessness.
“I followed the blueprint: I did the resume, I did the mock interviews, I practiced my answers, I went to the interview, and I got the job. The hard work paid off."
"I am very grateful for being accepted into a community of love, respect and support that anyone who comes to the Farm or workshop is sure to enjoy at any time. At this program, it doesn’t matter what you wear, or how you look. You are not judged and everyone is welcome. I believe these tools will help me be better as I move forward on my journey, to be the best mother, friend and colleague I can be. I have learned how to be accountable and be there for those that may need me."