'Sweet Beginnings' is a Chicago-based organization that teaches former inmates how to harvest honey. For those who have spent a significant amount of time in prison, starting over can be a difficult and challenging process. Moreover, those who aren't able to find a stable support network tend to fall back into old patterns.
Sweet Beginnings aims to reduce recidivism rates by providing transitional jobs and a sense of community for former inmates. The organization employs former inmates and teaches them how to harvest honey from a number of apiaries in the Chicago area. The raw honey is then used to make honey-based skincare products such as lip balms, body creams and shower gels.
Not only are the recidivism rates of former employees lower, but the majority of those who work at Sweet Beginnings eventually go on to find full-time work. Indeed, the Sweet Beginnings model demonstrates how viable employment opportunities can help former inmates successfully reenter society.
Ex-Offender Beekeeping Programs
This Organization Teaches Former Inmates How to Harvest Honey
Trend Themes
1. Ex-offender Workforce Programs - There's an opportunity for organizations to create more workforce programs aimed towards employing former inmates, specifically API-labor focused programs, to reduce recidivism rates and increase potential employment opportunities for displaced communities.
2. Honey-based Skincare - There's an opportunity for companies to take advantage of the natural properties of honey and create skincare products with an environmentally conscious and socially impactful approach, using local and sustainable practices.
3. Community-based Initiatives - There's an opportunity for businesses to create community-based initiatives that can provide support networks and skill-building opportunities for individuals that have experienced incarceration, homelessness, and other life barriers.
Industry Implications
1. Non-profit Organizations - Non-profit organizations have potential opportunities in creating workforce development programs and other community-based initiatives that help individuals in need.
2. Natural Skincare Industry - The natural skincare industry can explore social impact focused business models that prioritize sustainability, local resources, and human impact.
3. Land Use and Agriculture - There's an opportunity to create more socially conscious agricultural practices that can benefit communities and their ecosystem while providing valuable training and job opportunities for displaced individuals.