Our Collective So Far
The year is far from over, but in our first newsletter, we want to reflect on what we’ve done so far.
The creation of Care Collective resulted from ideas about new ways to distribute basic needs products. Leaders in our community shared opportunities they felt would better support families, and nonprofit staff and caregivers told us they wanted access to products in spaces they felt safe and welcomed.
These values were embedded in everything we built. Starting in a garage with a barebones website and a temporary logo, we focused on partnering with queer and BIPOC-led organizations like Rootead, El Concilio, and Outfront.
Once we moved out of the garage and into a warehouse shared with Habitat for Humanity, we launched our new appearance. We made a website that featured gender-neutral language, centered BIPOC individuals, and emphasized transparency. To support this site was new branding with a playful and inclusive feeling.
And from here, we ran wild. We hired more staff, starting with Outreach Manager J Ludeker, continuing with Program Manager Essy Gachiri, and eventually filling out the team with Operations Coordinator Isaac Nzungula. We added new partners, placed bulk orders nearly too big to fit in the warehouse, and got dustier than we thought possible.
But here we are! Starting from the dream of our Executive Director Sarah Koestler and our founding board members, we have laid the foundation of something that we know will make a difference in a different way. A way that is inclusive, grassroots, and nurturing.
For everyone who’s been here from the start, thank you. And for everyone just now joining, welcome aboard!
We can’t wait for what comes next.
