News/Press Releases
The Workforce Investment Board of Marin County nominates Buckelew Programs for the Marin Economic Commission Award of Excellence 2009
Provided by the Workforce Investment Board Executive Committee
The Marin Economic Commission invited nominations of business, non-profit organizations, or individuals who have made outstanding contributions towards the economic vitality of Marin County in one or more of the following areas:
- Targeted Industry Development
- Community Leadership and Service
- Environmental Values and Resources
- Job Creation or Retention
- Workforce Housing
The Workforce Investment Board (WIB) of Marin County believes that Buckelew Programs, Inc. has demonstrated significant accomplishments in promoting economic vitality in four of the areas mentioned, including Targeted Industry Development (subcategory Alternative and Residential Care); Environmental Values and Resources; Job Creation or Retention, and Workforce Housing.
This nomination recognizes Buckelew’s recent accomplishments in developing and operating its new “green” social enterprise: the Blue Skies Café. As a social enterprise, Blue Skies Café operates with the social objective of creating job training opportunities and employment for people who have faced barriers to employment due to their mental illness; it blends social and commercial business practices to generate revenues to support Buckelew’s social mission of creating jobs and housing; and it demonstrates environmental values and sustainable resource practices.
Blue Skies Café opened in March, 2009, and has since provided direct workforce training and created employment to 12 individuals. Located in a Platinum LEED-certified building in the Marin County Health & Wellness Campus, Blue Skies Café has earned its Green Business Certification for its environmental values and practices; its organic foods, coffees, and teas; and its biodegradable and compostable serving ware.
In addition to Café trainees and employees, Blue Skies Café has expanded employment opportunity for 6 Blue Skies Cleaning Service trainees who clean the Café; 6 Buckelew Employment Services clerical trainees; and food service workers at two local business partners: Jessie et Laurent Culinary Services, and Equator Estate Coffee and Teas. In addition, Blue Skies Café is providing economic vitality in San Rafael’s Canal District, historically an economically challenged area of the County.
Buckelew’s Blue Skies Café has been recognized for its innovation and accomplishments by the Marin IJ, the North Bay Business Journal, MoreMarin.com, KTVU-TV, the Marin Community Foundation, the Bay Area Green Business Program, the Marin County Board of Supervisors, and the Stanford Business School Alumni Consulting Team, which will assist Buckelew to scale and expand the Café business model throughout the remainder of 2009 and 2010.
An Award of Excellence from the Marin Economic Commission would further enhance the success story of Blue Skies Café throughout the community and strengthen Buckelew’s ability to expand and create more workforce training, job creation, and job retention initiatives throughout Marin County.
