Our Values
Ask special needs families about their biggest concern and you will invariably hear two responses: What will become of my loved one when I'm no longer here? What can I do to provide purpose and meaning to my loved one's life?
I share your concerns because my triplet brother Gregory has autism. I love him more than I can express, and I will eventually be his sole caregiver. I've had many lengthy talks with my parents regarding our collective concerns about Gregory's future. Produce Purpose was founded principally to address these concerns for not only my family but for as many other families as possible.
There are several things I want you to know about Produce Purpose. As family members, we walk along the same path and speak with the same voice. We share the same fears, determination and goals, which is the motivation for everything Produce Purpose does.
Specifically:
1. Every person deserves dignity and respect, which means contributions, no matter how small, must be recognized and celebrated. Everyone has a contribution, and it’s our job to reveal it.
2. "Working" at Produce Purpose must always be warm, fun and positive. People say that if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. Produce Purpose takes that a step further in that every triumph and task accomplished is celebrated, even when we have to move the "accomplishment" goal posts. No excuse for a party is too small ;-D.
3. Produce Purpose is a community, which might sound trite but to us, it is the very core of our purpose. As a special needs sibling, I've learned that everyone needs community. This is especially true for special needs individuals and their families, whose situations can be isolating.
4. It isn't enough to just provide a meaningful job to our special needs loved ones, although this is certainly a great start. The employment environment must always be safe. This is why there are 24x7 security cameras both inside and outside our hydroponic farm. Produce Purpose always conducts itself with the utmost transparency, this includes our day-to-day operations and even our non-profit financials.
5. Sustainability is also at the core of everything we do, but in a manner that extends beyond what you might think. Sustainability means extending as far into the future as one can; so yes, growing ultra-fresh produce with a minimal carbon footprint is essential to our collective future. And yet, sustainability to our special needs families also means providing long-lasting, purposeful careers as opposed to jobs. We're here to provide continuity and routine for our community for many years to come.
6. Each one of us has an obligation to make society better for everyone, particularly the most vulernable among us. This shared responsibility is more than just a noble aspiration; it is mandatory.
These are my values and those of Produce Purpose. This is my commitment to you, to our special needs loved ones and most importantly to myself.
Matthew R. Harvey, Executive Director, Produce Purpose