Economic Opportunity - AmeriCorps VISTA: Umpqua Local Goods
Many entrepreneurs face barriers to startup, education and capital to name a few. In a county with 12% unemployment, often the only job available is the one you create yourself.
Anna Jen, a dedicated AmeriCorps VISTA at Umpqua Local Goods, has developed a program to offer pathways to education and entrepreneurship for lifelong learners.
Umpqua Local Goods is a retail learning lab for at risk youth and a store front for entrepreneurs. It houses a shared commercial kitchen for food producers and is the only access to healthy foods in a low income neighborhood.
While this program has been in operation only nine months, more than 70 entrepreneurs have been served, and more than $12,000 reinvested in the local economy. Since it opened in Sept 2012, Anna has developed and maintained a website, developed marketing materials, implemented a point-of-sales software system, and helped 12 at risk students gain retail work experience.
2 comments
Virginia Elandt • almost 13 years ago
Anna has been an amazing asset to this project. We are so lucky to have her in our community!
Chiesna • almost 13 years ago
Anna is very energetic and upbeat. In her spare time, Anna assisted NeighborWorks Umpqua staff on other projects and volunteered, too! She particularly enjoys design, photography and running. She helped make an excellent brochure and helped bring a website online on a short deadline. She participated on our team in Relay for Life, volunteered on museum events and as a kids’ soccer coach at the YMCA.
She is a joy to work with.