At BLOOM, we believe that not all individuals start their lives from the same place, and that the more fortunate of us have the responsibility to extend help to those who are less so. We also believe that it is everyone’s responsibility to take the steps necessary to create a better life for themselves, their family, and the broader community.
The problem BLOOM addresses: many disproportionately experience
economic insecurity and homelessness because of confounding obstacles ... Read More
At BLOOM, we believe that not all individuals start their lives from the same place, and that the more fortunate of us have the responsibility to extend help to those who are less so. We also believe that it is everyone’s responsibility to take the steps necessary to create a better life for themselves, their family, and the broader community.
The problem BLOOM addresses: many disproportionately experience
economic insecurity and homelessness because of confounding obstacles to thriving in the formal workforce.
To address this problem, BLOOM serves 6 communities: those in recovery from addiction, veterans still keen but usually unwelcome to contribute, seniors still keen but usually unwelcome to contribute, youth timing out of foster care, LGBTQI+ people, and individuals with disabilities.
BLOOM's comprehensive programs develop the hard, soft, and life skills that its trainees need to thrive, with many graduating to permanent and even union jobs. In collaboration with other local nonprofits, BLOOM also provides temporary housing / rapid rehousing and associated wrap-around services.
On its urban farm and HQ as well as wherever it operates, BLOOM consistently creates a safe and nurturing environment for historically invisible and disadvantaged people to heal, learn, grow, and set themselves up for a better future.
BLOOM exists for social impact. In addition to placing its trainees into good jobs, BLOOM tracks the following impact indicators:
- Days of sobriety. To extend help where it is most needed across the most disadvantaged communities, we serve many addicts in recovery. Approaching her own 38th sobriety birthday, BLOOM’s Founder & CEO knows too well that a using addict/alcoholic compromises the lives of 45 other people. Every day, BLOOM proves that this holds just as true in reverse: for every life BLOOM reclaims from addiction and despair, we believe it enhances 45 more. This is why we fight for every flicker of hope, every ounce of dignity and self-reliance, and every day of sobriety. And this is why we are humbled by the caliber of BLOOM’s volunteers, donors, and supporters.
- Hours volunteered by participants on BLOOM Farm.
- Participant, staff, and volunteer wellness as measured by regular surveys.
- Participants progress against their Life Improvement Plans (e.g., personal debt reduction, relationships with estranged family, neglected healthcare needs, etc.).
- The number and demographics of participants in BLOOM’s workforce development programs, their tenure within the programs, their acquisition of professional skills and credentials, and their success in graduating into the formal workforce.
A social enterprise, BLOOM is significantly funded through its services (refurbishment, repairs, landscaping, etc), products (rehabilitated furniture, artwork, canned goods from the produce of its urban farm in Concord CA), and programs (e.g., corporate volunteer and team-building days). However, it relies on donation like yours for intake of trainees, for their gear, for trainers, and for outreach.
Your contribution means more than you can imagine!
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