Larry’s Beans Lends Support to New Community Gardening Program

July 21, 2010 - PRLog -- (Raleigh, NC) - Raleigh coffee roaster Larry’s Beans is putting its support behind a new initiative by Community Workforce Solutions (CWS).  CWS launched a new gardening program to provide an opportunity for individuals with disabilities to learn gardening and plant care job skills.  Larry’s Beans provided coffee and burlap bags for the gardening program’s kickoff event in support of the new undertaking.

“Larry’s Beans has had a long relationship with Community Workforce Solutions,” says Larry Larson, founder of Larry’s Beans. “This new program will not only teach those with disabilities a new job skill, but it will also provide delicious healthy food for the participants.  We love being a part of it.”

Larry’s Beans has provided work for CWS program participants for several years, employing them to help label bags of Larry’s Beans coffee.

The gardening program teaches participants how to plant, water, weed and harvest plants, fruits and vegetables. As well as developing practical vocational skills, the program develops knowledge of nutrition and healthy eating habits. Harvested food will be given to the program participants and other community members in need. CWS’ gardening program is supported solely by donations.

"It's amazing to see what happens when people put their hearts and souls into a program that relies strictly on donations,” said Julie Griffin, CWS Green Team Coordinator and Community Employment Manager.

About Community Workforce Solutions

Community Workforce Solutions, Inc. is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people, the success of business, and the quality of community life by matching the right person to the right job. Through job training and placement services, persons with disabilities or other barriers to employment are placed in productive positions and encouraged to meet their own vocational goals. For more information visit http://www.communityworkforcesolutions.com.

About Larry’s Beans
Since 1994 the mission of Larry’s Beans has been to find the best coffees in the world and roast them with precision and artistry. The company is a founding member of Cooperative Coffees, the first and only group of independent coffee roasters that buys green beans directly from 100% Fair Trade coffee co-ops.
Larry’s Beans builds Fair Trade relationships with small farm cooperatives, buys only Organic, Shade Grown coffees and supports farming partners in practicing sustainable farming methods. Larry’s Beans cultivates relationships that benefit people, animals, and the environment. In 2010, Larry’s Beans was the recipient of The Raleigh Environmental Stewardship Award for triple-bottom line business. For more information, please visit www.larrysbeans.com .