Nuestras Raices Inc

"Founded in 1992 Nuestras Raices -- "Our Roots" — Nuestras Raices helps the Holyoke community grow healthy nutritious and culturally related food for over 175 families that participate in our network of 9 community garden sites and our 30 acre urban farm. Holyoke is a Western MA paper mill town that is now home to a large and vibrant Latino community.  Among the great programs that Nuestras Raíces offers free of charge are, Financial Literacy called Empresarios Comunitarios (Community Entrepreneurs),Youth programs that teach middle school and high school students how to grow, cook their own food, social and economic justice, leadership training and how to market their produce among other things. Our Youth Program is very popular in the city, students from ages 13-18 years old learn about agriculture, food and social justice, youth development and leadership, job readiness, and marketing. Once they complete the 6 weeks program they get pay a stipend that helps them buy their school clothes, save, etc.  Unfortunately, we have a limited space for 18 youth and we receive over 70 applications.  Our goal this year is to hire 4 more youth and but it can’t happen without your generous donation.  Our fundraising efforts extend also to keep operating our Mobile Market, that offers affordable, fresh and nutritious food to the  elderly community and identified food dessert areas throughout the city of Holyoke. Nuestras Raíces is a 501(c)3 organization with nearly 500 members, or "miembros".  Our mission focuses on developing and growing cultural crops here in the Northeast, farm to school programs, youth development, community garden expansion, tenant farming, economic development and job training, and environmental, food and social justice efforts. Our vision is a just, prosperous and healthy future for all people of all cultures.  Thank you for your support!  **************Gracias!************"