Doing Our Part to help America get back to work

Posted by Nicole Boyd on 14 December 2011 | 0 Comments

Every holiday season, Garfield Group tries to give something back. This year, we are excited to support Create Jobs for USA - a national initiative created by Starbucks and our client, Opportunity Finance Network.

For every $5 donation - at over 7,000 Starbucks stores or online at CreateJobsforUSA.org, you receive an "indivisible" wristband that shows your support. Donations go to Opportunity Finance Network and are then invested in small business - the true job engine of our economy. Opportunity Finance Network estimates that every $3,000 donated can be leveraged into $21,000 in loans to small businesses.

Americans helping Americans - in a big way.

Lynn Smith encourages Starbucks customers to make a donation by wearing her "Indivisible" wristband and explaining the program at every checkout.

Laura Maxwell, a Starbucks patron, shows her support of Create Jobs for USA.

Inspired by Create Jobs for USA, we purchased wristbands and hit the streets asking people what they thought.

Lynn Smith, a Starbucks barista, has felt the effects of the struggling economy firsthand and is a big supporter of Create Jobs for USA.

"As a college graduate who's had trouble finding a salaried job, I think it's really moving that a program has been created that brings people together to create and sustain jobs," Lynn said. "I think everyone has been impacted by the recession, or at least knows someone who has, so I think it makes them feel good to do their part."

A Starbucks patron, John Campbell, shared his view, "I bought a wristband and wear it proudly. It's a great conversation starter, and an easy way to spread the message of such a worthy cause. Job creation is crucial to building our communities and I'm happy to be empowered to do my small part."

We all have the opportunity to get involved and effect change! Visit your neighborhood Starbucks. Check out CreateJobsforUSA.org. Make a donation that helps get America back to work.