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St. Joseph Community Co-Op is a member owned co-operative whose members receive skill training or other services and become active employees that work no less than ten hours per week. It is a community-based organization with its own Board of Directors (who are elected by the members) and looks to others in the community, (i.e. business leaders, etc.) to serve as advisors on occasion.

St. Joseph Community Co-Op devotes substantially all of its resources to developing, supporting and maintaining its workforce. Members are encouraged and supported in pursuing employment opportunities outside the coop within their communities. It provides quality, value-added services to both its members and customers. As it competes with others in the marketplace, the Co-Op requires each member to actively participate in a working and learning environment so that they remain competitive.

Member services the St. Joseph Community Co-Op provide include skill building, training and employment opportunities in a supportive, team-oriented environment that reinforces positive work performance and attitudes. Training in assembly, packaging, janitorial and lawn service jobs, which leads to employment, are among the opportunities offered by the St. Joseph Community Co-Op.

ST. JOE COMMUNITY CO-OP VALUES

SELF-DETERMINATION Everything that we do will reflect the wants, needs and desires of our membership, thus preserving our basic right to Self-Determination.

FREEDOM for members to make their own choices about participation in the Co-Op

AUTHORITY for members to be the primary decision makers about the entire range of issues affecting the Co-Op from administration of internal policies to the delivery of services, both to customers and Co-Op members.

SUPPORT for members to accomplish their employment goals and provide access to employment opportunities and community inclusion for everyone while focusing on what members can do rather than what they cannot.

RESPONSIBILITY for co-op members to each other to do their part to achieve goals, meet deadlines and conscientiously govern the organization's performance.

CONFIRMATION that work performed at the co-op is a meaningful activity that adds value and results in real wages or opportunities to obtain employment in a competitive environment within their community.

ST. JOE COMMUNITY CO-OP MISSION

TO PROVIDE QUALITY, VALUE -ADDED GOODS AND SERVICES TO OUR CUSTOMERS WHILE EXPANDING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR MEMBERS.

FAQ's

WHAT IS A WORK CENTER?
The work center is one of many locations where the St. Joseph Community Co-Op operates. The work center houses various assembly and packaging operations for the Co-Op's clients. In addition to jobs at the work center, Co-Op members perform work at many different locations within the community.

WHAT IS SELF DETERMINATION?
Self-Determination is the basic right of every individual to make choices about his/her life. Many people across the nation who are concerned about people with disabilities are fighting to make sure that everyone gets to make choices about their life, and make those choices happen.

HOW DO I DO BUSINESS WITH THE CO-OP?
The Co-Op is always looking for new customers and new ways to serve their members. Please call (269) 651-4500 to inquire about opportunities to partner with the co-op

WHEN DID THE CO-OP START?
The Co-Op started providing services on March 1st of 2006. The official grand opening of the Co-Op will be held at the work center (403 S. Jefferson, Sturgis, MI 49091) on June 16th @ 12:30.

HOW DO I BECOME A MEMBER OF THE CO-OP?
The Co-Op has an application process that takes into account your employment goals. Co-Op members can work and receive training at the work center and are encouraged to find more permanent jobs within the community. Co-Op members are responsible for governing the Co-Op. Duties include participating in board meetings, voting on Co-Op rules and work scheduling.

"The greatest good you can do for another
is not just share your riches,
but reveal to them their own."

- Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881)

© 2010 St. Joseph Community Cooperative, all rights reserved.