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Humans of EarthLinks
Renā (She/He/They)
(Renā and Kai)
Our Human of EarthLinks this month is Renā!
Renā joined us in the coffee shop this month as our new barista and we are so thankful for their high spirits and kindness!
Renā calls the beautiful places of La Veta, the San Luis Valley, and New Mexico home. She came to EarthLinks while being in a place of deep transition and felt an alignment with the vision and values here. They have a deep appreciation for the “systematic approach to finding solutions to systemic issues” in the work we do. This appreciation comes from the deep passion he has in his own life for indigenous history, storytelling, policy, land rights, sovereignty, and self-determination.Renā is a great representative and community member of EarthLinks, eager to bring in and tell our mission, all while effortlessly crafting the perfect drink. Having only begun this month, she is looking forward to cultivating new as well as deepening existing relationships.
When not behind the coffee bar, Renā enjoys spending time with Kai, her four-legged companion. Kai serves as an important reminder in Renā’s life “that #ballislife”. Most of their favorite activities center on the people they loves and nature with hiking, foraging, and cooking. Eating is especially high on the list of joys, recently sharing an adorable moment when his nephew “held a pickled jalapeno in one hand and a sandwich in the other hand and alternates taking bites back and forth, jalapeno-sandwich-jalapeno-sandwich. I. LOVE. IT.”.
If you have the good fortune of stopping by while Renā is behind the bar, you will get to bear witness to the incredibly energy and fun she brings to coffee. What they affectionately refer to as her “FRAP” (frenetic random activity period) results in her Zoomin around the bar, slinging shots, quoting movies, all while having a good time.
Being a barista is very fitting for Renā, their liveliness and earnest to do good in the world is like taking a shot of espresso, getting all the energy, and then getting ready to get stuff done.
Community Happenings
Honey Processing
Crushing that comb!
Bee club used comb from our hives and began the process of extracting honey. We crushed the honeycomb with various instruments but found using our gloved hands was the most satisfying and effective. Watching the honey ooze out of the comb was so gratifying! Once it was mashed up, we moved the honey and comb onto a straining cloth in our separation bucket. The honey then continued its journey of separation as it dripped onto the bottom of the bucket. The wax comb left on top will soon be rendered into beeswax and used in our products!
Grilled Cheese & Karoke
Participants and staff enjoyed another of our classic “Grilled Cheese & Karaoke” events.
We were happy to welcome back many repeat performers as they belted out their classic solos. There were also a few surprise first time performers that gave showstopping renditions of the songs we all know and love, such as “All Star” by Smash Mouth.
Enjoying good cheese and even better tunes is easily one of the best ways to spend an afternoon.
Pumpkin Spice is Here
The time has come! Everyone's favorite drink of the season has made its way to EarthLinks. Our coffee team has handcrafted a pumpkin spice sauce that will have you looking up the nearest pumpkin patch and start pulling out those scarves. The creamy pumpkin sauce, locally sourced espresso, and milk of your choice is the best first step in embracing the upcoming changing of the seasons. For the non-espresso folks, you can try it with chai, only milk, or even a hot chocolate.
Next time you get your pumpkin spice craving, consider supporting a local coffee shop! All proceeds go back into supporting our Participants and programs. We look forward to seeing you in store!
Upcoming Events
Imagine!
Mark your calendars, our biggest annual fundraiser, Imagine! is right around the corner. The event will feature a four-course meal, music, great speakers, and a silent auction.
This year’s keynote speaker will be our very own Participant, Ms. Louise, who has been a part of our program and integral to our community for over a decade. It will also be our Executive Director Cass Cronan's last Imagine! celebration. After 15 years at EarthLinks, she'll be retiring and taking more time to be with family. Come on out to say farewell!
Tickets are available now, don't wait until it is too late!
If you would like to donate an item for our silent auction reach out to Hailey Webster
Garden Updates
Garden Grub
Participants have the opportunity to come to Workshop early to join our garden director in harvesting produce. The very same people who put these seeds in the ground and tended to their growth now get to see and experience the benefits of their dedication to the garden.
During Workshop, a few Participants and staff will spend time in the kitchen preparing the produce for lunch. We have all learned different ways to connect with, prepare, and enjoy the food that fuels our bodies and spirits. Plus, nothing beats fresh picked produce so every lunch is delicious!
Try out one of our favorite recipes yourself:
Tomato and Tomatillo Soup
Product Spotlight
Sugar Scrub
Get ready for your softest skin with the EarthLinks grapefruit & blood orange sugar scrub!
It all starts with sugar that gently exfoliates your skin, removing the buildup of dead skin cells without causing damage. Then the mixture of jojoba and sunflower oil will lock in moisture. If that wasn’t enough, the scents of cocoa butter, grapefruit, and blood orange will make you feel as bright as the glow of your skin!
Not convinced yet? Order a sample size to give it a try before you inevitably come back for more.
We are recruiting! Americorps members are critical to the work we do here at EarthLinks. We are so grateful for those who dedicate a year of their life to service, gaining invaluable experience and truly becoming a part of our community.
If you are interested in service, check out the Notre Dame Mission Volunteers, an AmeriCorps program. More information on the program and roles and responsibilities can be found on our website by clicking the button below:
EarthLinks is excited to welcome another stellar member to our team.
EarthLinks is looking for experienced gardeners to help tend to our large urban garden! Monday through Friday we need help in our garden maintaining and growing the plants by spreading mulch, weeding, transplanting, trimming, watering, and completing other general gardening tasks. This volunteer should be able to work with minimal supervision and be able to be in the garden on a weekly basis.
If you are interested contact our volunteer coordinator Hailey Webster!
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EarthLinks cultivates transformation and self-worth with people experiencing homelessness and poverty. By creating opportunities through Earth-centered programs, individuals step out of isolation and into community—restoring each other and the planet.
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