Greyston Holt is a social enterprise based in Yonkers, New York that produces and sells brownies and other baked goods. The company was founded in 1982 by Bernie Glassman, a Zen Buddhist monk, with the mission of providing employment and training to low-income and homeless people.
Greyston Holt's brownies are made with all-natural ingredients and are certified kosher and fair trade. The company also offers a variety of other baked goods, including cookies, cakes, and pies. Greyston Holt's products are sold in grocery stores, natural food stores, and online.
In addition to its commitment to providing employment and training to low-income and homeless people, Greyston Holt is also a leader in the field of social enterprise. The company has developed a unique business model that combines social and financial goals. Greyston Holt's success has inspired other businesses to adopt similar models.
Greyston Holt
Greyston Holt is a social enterprise that produces and sells brownies and other baked goods. The company was founded in 1982 by Bernie Glassman, a Zen Buddhist monk, with the mission of providing employment and training to low-income and homeless people.
- Social enterprise
- Provides employment and training to low-income and homeless people
- All-natural ingredients
- Kosher and fair trade certified
- Unique business model
- Leader in the field of social enterprise
- Has inspired other businesses to adopt similar models
- Makes a variety of baked goods, including brownies, cookies, cakes, and pies
- Sells products in grocery stores, natural food stores, and online
Greyston Holt is a unique and inspiring company that is making a difference in the lives of low-income and homeless people. The company's commitment to social responsibility is evident in everything it does, from its hiring practices to its product sourcing. Greyston Holt is a shining example of how businesses can be a force for good in the world.
| Name | Bernie Glassman |
| Born | 1939 |
| Died | 2018 |
| Occupation | Zen Buddhist monk, social entrepreneur |
| Founded | Greyston Bakery |
Social enterprise
A social enterprise is a business that has a social or environmental mission. Social enterprises use their profits to fund their mission, rather than distributing them to shareholders. Greyston Holt is a social enterprise that provides employment and training to low-income and homeless people.
- Mission-driven
Social enterprises are driven by a social or environmental mission. This mission is central to the company's operations and decision-making. Greyston Holt's mission is to provide employment and training to low-income and homeless people.
- Profit-generating
Social enterprises generate profits through the sale of goods or services. These profits are then used to fund the company's social or environmental mission. Greyston Holt generates profits through the sale of its brownies and other baked goods.
- Independent
Social enterprises are independent organizations. They are not owned or controlled by a government agency or a charitable organization. Greyston Holt is an independent organization that is governed by a board of directors.
- Accountable
Social enterprises are accountable to their stakeholders. This includes their employees, customers, suppliers, and the community. Greyston Holt is accountable to its stakeholders through its annual report and its participation in the B Corp certification process.
Social enterprises like Greyston Holt are playing an increasingly important role in the global economy. They are providing innovative solutions to social and environmental problems, and they are creating jobs and opportunities for people who have been left behind by the traditional economy.
Provides employment and training to low-income and homeless people
Greyston Holt is a social enterprise that provides employment and training to low-income and homeless people. This is a central part of the company's mission, and it is what makes Greyston Holt unique. Greyston Holt believes that everyone deserves a chance to succeed, regardless of their circumstances. The company provides its employees with a living wage, health insurance, and other benefits. Greyston Holt also offers a variety of training programs to help its employees develop the skills they need to succeed in the workplace.
Greyston Holt's commitment to providing employment and training to low-income and homeless people has a number of benefits. First, it helps to reduce poverty and homelessness. By providing people with jobs and training, Greyston Holt helps them to get back on their feet and become self-sufficient. Second, Greyston Holt's program helps to break the cycle of poverty. By providing people with the skills they need to succeed, Greyston Holt helps them to get better jobs and earn higher wages. This, in turn, helps to improve the lives of their families and communities.
Greyston Holt's program is a success story. The company has helped thousands of people to get back on their feet and become self-sufficient. Greyston Holt's program is a model for other businesses that want to make a difference in the world.
All-natural ingredients
Greyston Holt is committed to using all-natural ingredients in its products. This means that the company's brownies and other baked goods are made without artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Greyston Holt believes that using all-natural ingredients is important for the health of its customers and for the environment.
- Health benefits
All-natural ingredients are generally healthier than artificial ingredients. Artificial ingredients have been linked to a number of health problems, including cancer, obesity, and allergies. All-natural ingredients, on the other hand, are typically less processed and contain more nutrients.
- Environmental benefits
All-natural ingredients are also better for the environment. Artificial ingredients are often made from petroleum-based chemicals, which can pollute the environment. All-natural ingredients, on the other hand, are derived from plants and other renewable resources.
- Taste
Many people believe that all-natural ingredients taste better than artificial ingredients. This is because all-natural ingredients have a more complex flavor profile. Artificial ingredients, on the other hand, can often taste flat and one-dimensional.
- Transparency
Using all-natural ingredients allows Greyston Holt to be more transparent about its products. The company can easily list all of the ingredients in its products on its packaging. This makes it easier for customers to make informed decisions about what they are eating.
Greyston Holt's commitment to using all-natural ingredients is a reflection of the company's values. Greyston Holt believes that food should be healthy, sustainable, and delicious. The company's use of all-natural ingredients helps to ensure that its products meet these criteria.
Kosher and fair trade certified
Greyston Holt is a social enterprise that produces and sells brownies and other baked goods. The company is committed to using all-natural ingredients and to providing employment and training to low-income and homeless people. Greyston Holt's brownies and other baked goods are also kosher and fair trade certified.
Kosher certification means that a food product has been prepared in accordance with Jewish dietary laws. Fair trade certification means that a food product has been produced in a way that is sustainable and equitable for farmers and workers.
Greyston Holt's commitment to kosher and fair trade certification is a reflection of the company's values. Greyston Holt believes that food should be healthy, sustainable, and delicious. The company's kosher and fair trade certification helps to ensure that its products meet these criteria.
In addition to its commitment to kosher and fair trade certification, Greyston Holt is also a leader in the field of social enterprise. The company's unique business model has inspired other businesses to adopt similar models. Greyston Holt is a shining example of how businesses can be a force for good in the world.
Unique business model
Greyston Holt is a social enterprise that produces and sells brownies and other baked goods. The company was founded in 1982 by Bernie Glassman, a Zen Buddhist monk, with the mission of providing employment and training to low-income and homeless people. Greyston Holt's unique business model combines social and financial goals, and has inspired other businesses to adopt similar models.
- Social mission
Greyston Holt's social mission is to provide employment and training to low-income and homeless people. This mission is central to the company's operations and decision-making. Greyston Holt believes that everyone deserves a chance to succeed, regardless of their circumstances.
- Financial sustainability
Greyston Holt is a financially sustainable business. The company generates profits through the sale of its brownies and other baked goods. These profits are then used to fund the company's social mission.
- Community involvement
Greyston Holt is deeply involved in the community. The company partners with other organizations to provide job training and placement services to low-income and homeless people. Greyston Holt also supports local businesses and organizations.
- Environmental sustainability
Greyston Holt is committed to environmental sustainability. The company uses all-natural ingredients and sustainable packaging. Greyston Holt also recycles and composts waste.
Greyston Holt's unique business model is a success story. The company has helped thousands of people to get back on their feet and become self-sufficient. Greyston Holt is a shining example of how businesses can be a force for good in the world.
Leader in the field of social enterprise
Greyston Holt is a leader in the field of social enterprise. The company has developed a unique business model that combines social and financial goals. Greyston Holt's mission is to provide employment and training to low-income and homeless people. The company generates profits through the sale of its brownies and other baked goods. These profits are then used to fund the company's social mission.
Greyston Holt's success is due in part to its commitment to its social mission. The company believes that everyone deserves a chance to succeed, regardless of their circumstances. Greyston Holt provides its employees with a living wage, health insurance, and other benefits. The company also offers a variety of training programs to help its employees develop the skills they need to succeed in the workplace.
Greyston Holt's commitment to its social mission has had a positive impact on the community. The company has helped thousands of people to get back on their feet and become self-sufficient. Greyston Holt has also inspired other businesses to adopt similar models. The company is a shining example of how businesses can be a force for good in the world.
Has inspired other businesses to adopt similar models
Greyston Holt's unique business model, which combines social and financial goals, has inspired other businesses to adopt similar models. This is because Greyston Holt has demonstrated that it is possible to run a successful business while also making a positive social impact.
One of the most important aspects of Greyston Holt's business model is its commitment to hiring and training low-income and homeless people. This commitment has helped to reduce poverty and homelessness in the community, and it has also provided Greyston Holt with a dedicated and motivated workforce.
Another important aspect of Greyston Holt's business model is its use of all-natural ingredients. This commitment to quality has helped to make Greyston Holt's brownies and other baked goods popular with consumers.
Greyston Holt's success has inspired other businesses to adopt similar models. For example, the coffee company Equal Exchange and the clothing company Patagonia are both social enterprises that are committed to making a positive social impact.
The adoption of social enterprise models by other businesses is a positive trend. These businesses are demonstrating that it is possible to make a profit while also making a difference in the world.
Makes a variety of baked goods, including brownies, cookies, cakes, and pies
Greyston Holt is a social enterprise that produces and sells brownies and other baked goods. The company was founded in 1982 by Bernie Glassman, a Zen Buddhist monk, with the mission of providing employment and training to low-income and homeless people. Greyston Holt's commitment to its social mission is reflected in every aspect of its business, including the variety of baked goods it produces.
Brownies are Greyston Holt's signature product, but the company also produces a wide variety of other baked goods, including cookies, cakes, and pies. This variety allows Greyston Holt to appeal to a wide range of customers, from those who are looking for a quick snack to those who are looking for a special occasion dessert. It also allows the company to generate revenue from multiple sources, which helps to support its social mission.
The variety of baked goods that Greyston Holt produces is also important for the company's employees. The company's employees are all low-income and homeless people, and many of them have little or no experience in the food industry. By providing a variety of baked goods, Greyston Holt is able to provide its employees with the opportunity to learn new skills and develop their careers. This, in turn, helps them to become more self-sufficient and to achieve their full potential.
The variety of baked goods that Greyston Holt produces is a key component of the company's success. It allows Greyston Holt to appeal to a wide range of customers, generate revenue from multiple sources, and provide its employees with the opportunity to learn new skills and develop their careers. This, in turn, helps Greyston Holt to achieve its social mission of providing employment and training to low-income and homeless people.
Sells products in grocery stores, natural food stores, and online
Greyston Holt's distribution channels are crucial to its success as a social enterprise. The company's brownies and other baked goods are sold in grocery stores, natural food stores, and online. This allows Greyston Holt to reach a wide range of customers and generate revenue to support its social mission.
Selling products in grocery stores and natural food stores gives Greyston Holt access to a large and diverse customer base. These stores are frequented by people from all walks of life, including those who are looking for healthy and sustainable food options. Greyston Holt's products appeal to this market because they are made with all-natural ingredients and are certified kosher and fair trade.
In addition to selling its products in physical stores, Greyston Holt also sells its products online. This allows the company to reach customers who may not have access to a grocery store or natural food store. Greyston Holt's online store is also convenient for customers who want to order products in bulk or who want to have them shipped directly to their homes.
Greyston Holt's decision to sell its products in grocery stores, natural food stores, and online is a strategic one. These distribution channels allow the company to reach a wide range of customers and generate revenue to support its social mission. Greyston Holt's success is a testament to the power of social enterprise and the importance of making healthy and sustainable food options available to everyone.
FAQs
Greyston Holt is a highly respected social enterprise that has gained recognition for its exceptional brownies and unwavering commitment to employing and empowering individuals facing homelessness and other challenges. This FAQ section aims to address frequently asked questions and provide concise, informative answers to enhance your understanding of Greyston Holt's mission and impact.
Question 1: What sets Greyston Holt apart from other brownie companies?
Greyston Holt's defining characteristic lies in its unique social mission. While producing delicious brownies, the company prioritizes providing meaningful employment opportunities and comprehensive support services to individuals who have traditionally faced barriers to employment, including those experiencing homelessness and formerly incarcerated individuals. This unwavering commitment to social justice sets Greyston Holt apart.
Question 2: How does Greyston Holt empower its employees?
Greyston Holt's Open Hiring policy extends employment opportunities to all individuals without the traditional barriers of background checks or work experience requirements. Beyond job placement, the company offers an array of supportive services such as job training, counseling, and access to affordable housing, fostering a holistic approach to employee empowerment and personal development.
Question 3: What makes Greyston Holt's brownies so special?
Greyston Holt brownies have garnered a reputation for their exceptional taste and quality. Made with the finest natural and organic ingredients, these brownies embody the company's commitment to delivering a superior product while adhering to the highest ethical and environmental standards.
Question 4: How can I support Greyston Holt's mission?
Supporting Greyston Holt's mission is as simple as savoring their delectable brownies or purchasing their other baked goods. Every purchase directly contributes to the company's social enterprise model, enabling them to continue providing employment and support services to individuals facing adversity.
Question 5: What impact has Greyston Holt had on its employees and the community?
Greyston Holt's impact extends far beyond the brownies they produce. The company has empowered thousands of individuals, providing them with job stability, career advancement opportunities, and a sense of purpose. Additionally, Greyston Holt has played a transformative role in revitalizing its Yonkers community, serving as a beacon of hope and empowerment.
Question 6: How does Greyston Holt ensure the quality and ethical sourcing of its ingredients?
Greyston Holt maintains the highest standards of quality and ethical sourcing throughout its supply chain. The company collaborates with trusted suppliers who share their commitment to sustainability and fair labor practices. By prioritizing ethical sourcing, Greyston Holt ensures that its brownies are not only delicious but also socially responsible.
Greyston Holt's unwavering commitment to social justice, innovative employment practices, and exceptional products has solidifed its position as a leading social enterprise. Through its delicious brownies and impactful mission, the company continues to inspire and empower individuals and communities worldwide.
To learn more about Greyston Holt and its remarkable journey, visit their website at greystonbakery.com.
Greyston Holt Tips
As a leading social enterprise, Greyston Holt has developed innovative strategies and practices that contribute to its success and impact. Here are some key tips inspired by their approach:
Tip 1: Embrace Open Hiring
Greyston Holt's Open Hiring policy extends employment opportunities to individuals facing barriers to traditional employment, providing a second chance and fostering inclusivity.
Tip 2: Prioritize Employee Empowerment
Beyond job placement, offer comprehensive support services such as job training, counseling, and access to resources to empower employees and promote personal development.
Tip 3: Focus on Social and Environmental Responsibility
Incorporate social and environmental considerations into all aspects of your business, from ethical sourcing to sustainable practices, to create a positive impact on the community and the planet.
Tip 4: Foster a Culture of Collaboration
Build strong relationships with community organizations, businesses, and government agencies to leverage resources and maximize impact.
Tip 5: Measure and Evaluate Your Impact
Regularly assess the effectiveness of your programs and services to ensure they are meeting the needs of your target population and contributing to your overall mission.
By adopting these principles, organizations can emulate Greyston Holt's success as a social enterprise, driving positive change while delivering exceptional products or services.
Remember, social enterprise is about harnessing the power of business to address social and environmental issues. By prioritizing people, planet, and profit, organizations can create a sustainable and equitable future for all.
Greyston Holt
Greyston Holt stands as a testament to the transformative power of social enterprise. Through its unwavering commitment to providing employment and support to individuals facing adversity, the company has not only created delicious brownies but also a model for positive social change.
Greyston Holt's journey underscores the importance of embracing inclusivity, fostering employee empowerment, and prioritizing both social and environmental responsibility. By challenging traditional hiring practices and investing in its employees' well-being, the company has created a workplace that is both equitable and empowering.
As we navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world, the principles that guide Greyston Holt's work become even more relevant. Social enterprises have a crucial role to play in addressing the challenges of our time, from poverty and homelessness to environmental degradation.
Let us draw inspiration from Greyston Holt's example and work together to create a more just and sustainable future for all. By supporting social enterprises and embracing their innovative approaches, we can harness the power of business to drive positive change and build a better world.
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