Each year in America, countless individuals find themselves released from jails and prisons. Yet, the absence of meaningful employment opportunities can push them into the shadows of an “underground” illegal economy. This vicious cycle sees repeated offenses, shattered families, escalating prison costs, and a system where no one truly benefits.
Fidalgo’s Underground Coffee stands as a beacon of hope in this landscape. Merging premium coffee roasting with the principles of social enterprise, we take pride in hiring individuals from Northwest Washington’s Skagit Valley who are determined to leave their conviction histories behind and embark on a fresh chapter.
By choosing Underground Coffee, you’re not just savoring a top-notch blend; you’re making an impact. A dedicated 5% of your purchase directly aids Underground Ministries, our esteemed partners dedicated to creating a ripple of positive change.
After their release, a significant number of individuals face an invisible barrier where their past criminal records impede access to essential resources like jobs, housing, and education. The unfortunate outcome? A return to the very streets and activities that led them to incarceration.
Our mission is to disrupt this pattern. With a unique genesis – founded by jail chaplains in tandem with a former meth-cook who transformed into a passionate coffee-roaster – Underground Coffee embodies a vision of redemption. We provide that crucial gateway employment for those transitioning from the legal system.
Our ambition transcends just employment; we aim to reshape narratives around coffee roasting, reintegrating individuals post-prison, and foster a dialogue around justice and redemption. All over a heartwarming cup of coffee.
Originating from Fidalgo Coffee Roasters in Skagit Valley, Underground Ministries has, over the past decade, developed an employment model in collaboration with various regional employers. We’ve recognized that the key isn’t just isolated efforts by nonprofits or companies, but a synergized approach. Support organizations and employers can collaboratively address reentry barriers, ensuring individuals are not left grappling in isolation.
Discover more about the pillars supporting the Underground Employment Model by clicking here.
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