Buying Change is the Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar Association’s initiative focused on supporting businesses that employ individuals with criminal histories and related obstacles to achieving employment.
In addition to providing quality products and services, the companies listed below employ individuals trying to reenter society as productive citizens, after having served their prison sentence. Meaningful employment is one of the most important factors in preventing recidivism. We all benefit if those individuals who are seeking to become responsible members of society have an opportunity to find jobs. By patronizing companies that provide such opportunities, you increase their ability to employ more individuals with employment challenges.
Your decisions as to how you spend money can make an important difference. Please support these businesses when you are looking to buy quality products and services. You will be buying change in the process.
Bakery
Blue Sky Bakery & Cafe
www.blue-sky-bakery.org
3720 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 880-9910
Blue Sky Bakery & Café does more than create artisanal, seasonal pastries with the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. As a nonprofit organization, we also raise the edible consciousness of our community by providing transitional employment to homeless and at-risk youth. Social change, powered by your appetite.
Candles & Gifts
Bright Endeavors
www.brightendeavors.org
West Garfield Park
4015 W. Carroll Ave., Chicago, IL 60624
(773) 388-2811
Bright Endeavors “lights the way” for adolescent mothers in Chicago, who receive coaching, guidance, and on-the-job training while producing premium soy candles and bath products. For these young women, Bright Endeavors is a pathway out of poverty – the first step toward quality, permanent employment.
Coffee Roaster
I Have a Bean
www.ihaveabean.com
657 Childs St., Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 384-9657
Our company was created to accomplish two things: roast and deliver outstanding coffee, and help people who have a felony conviction start over. We roast coffee rated in the top 1% and deliver it the same day. When you buy from I Have a Bean you’ll taste the difference in your cup, and you’ll make a difference in a life.
Reclaimed Wares
Rebuilding Exchange
rebuildingexchange.org
1740 W. Webster Ave., Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 525-2234
Our mission is to create a market for reclaimed building materials. We do this by diverting materials from landfills and making them accessible for reuse through our retail warehouse, by promoting sustainable deconstruction practices, by providing education and job training re-entry programs for people with barriers to employment, and by creating innovative models for sustainable reuse. RX Made is the brand of Rebuilding Exchange that creates salable products out of reclaimed building materials.
Restaurant and Catering
Inspiration Kitchens
www.inspirationkitchens.orgUptown
4715 N. Sheridan, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 275-0626
Garfield Park
3504 W. Lake St., Chicago, IL
(773) 801-1110
We look forward to welcoming you to Inspiration Kitchens, the social enterprise restaurants of Inspiration Corporation! You’ll enjoy contemporary American cuisine prepared and served by students and graduates of our award-winning food service training program. Join us for memorable meals, friendly service, stylish atmosphere and the joy of giving hope and opportunity to students working to achieve self-sufficiency. You can also call us about private events and catering.
