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hope’s LOCAL GOODNESS guide

4Midwest Brands Giving Back Highlighting women who have used their businesses for good

By Jen Chavarria

With the holiday season right around the corner, we want to highlight four Midwest brands that give back. From their communities to around the country, each one of these women-owned businesses are innovative and transforming people’s lives in both big and small ways.

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The Empowerment Plan | Detroit, Michigan, founded by Veronika Scott It started off as a coat that turned into a sleeping bag that turned into an opportunity to transform the lives of those in need. The mission of the Empowerment Plan is to educate, employ and empower homeless individuals. They have created over 80 jobs for homeless individuals, and have made and distributed over 35,000 coats. AndySunflower Café | Chicago, Illinois, founded by Andrea O. Robinson First launched as a mobile coffee cart in 2018, AndySunflower Café is now a full brick and mortar. Currently, they are giving back with their Spread Love with Coffee™ campaign. 100% of all donations go to safely delivering coffee, teas and lattes to first responders, teachers and medical workers in the Chicagoland areas.

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Spiritless | Louisville, Kentucky, founded by Lauren Chitwood, Abbey Ferguson and Lexie Larsen A non-alcoholic option, the Kentucky 74, is meant to complement bourbon cocktails. Founded by three women, they give back through 2% given to the Girls who support non-profits, programs and partnerships for young women. They also partner with Step Up, an organization that aims to empower girls in under-resourced communities to become confident professional women. TransTech Social Enterprise | Chicago, Illinois, founded by Angelica Ross TransTech is a space for LGBTQ talent, focusing on empowering trans people in the community. They provide education, support and tech jobs for trans people, giving them access to an online community and a co-share working space in Chicago. Z

HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM Jen Chavarria is is a freelance writer and graphic designer passionate about promoting low impact living and mental health awareness, along with writing about other topics. In her free-time, you can find her at jenchavarria.com or on Instagram at @jen.chavarria.

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