Dave’s Killer Bread (DKB) has launched its newly formed Dave’s Killer Bread Foundation, to power what the company calls the “Second Chance Employment.”
DKB’s foundation will work to expand employment opportunities for people with criminal backgrounds, which make up 1 in 3 of Dave’s Killer Bread’s more than 300 employee partners. You can learn more about the program in the video below.
A nonprofit 501(c)(3), the foundation was seeded with undisclosed gifts from the bakery’s founding family led by Glenn Dahl and CEO John Tucker. According to a press release, it is expected to build on the legacy of second chances that began when Co-Founder Dave Dahl was welcomed back to the family bakery after 15 years in prison.
“What started with Dave has evolved into a deep commitment that I’m proud to be part of,” said Co-Founder Glenn Dahl. “The foundation will be in a powerful position to expand on what we’ve learned and help others follow suit. Ultimately, we’re working to change the way business looks at people with backgrounds and open more doors to opportunity.”
The foundation offers a series of programs for organizations interested in employing people with backgrounds. Designed with input from re-entry, criminal justice, business and human resource experts, the foundation produces a Second Chance Playbook & Workshop, organizes the Second Chance Employer Network and hosts an annual Second Chance Summit. To support the company’s cause, on October 16 in Portland, OR, Dave’s Killer Bread will sponsor the second annual Second Chance Summit. To learn more about the event and inquire about participation, please visit www.dkbfoundation.org.
“Our incredible fans have seen us grow from a renegade bread at the Portland Farmers’ Market to the No. 1-selling organic bread in the nation. Fewer get to see the success stories inside Dave’s Killer Bread,” says John Tucker, CEO of Dave’s Killer Bread. “Year after year, our partners follow in our Co-Founder’s footsteps – taking the second chance they’ve been given to build something great. As we kick-off our next decade, we’ll continue to advocate for business leadership.”
DKB is working to get 10,000 signatures for an online pledge supporting companies employing people with criminal backgrounds. The company also updated the Dave’s Killer Bread packaging to reflect this commitment and inspire a consumer-driven movement creating meaningful, lasting change. The pledge can be found at www.daveskillerbread.com/secondchances.
“Business has a powerful role to play in rebuilding lives and communities,” said newly appointed Dave’s Killer Bread Foundation Executive Director Genevieve Martin. “The programs we’ve created have the potential to make a meaningful difference for businesses, which in turn have the potential to change the lives of hard working individuals who deserve a second chance.”
The company captured just some of its inspirational stories at www.secondchanceproject.com, including that of Ronnie Elrod, who seven years ago got a second chance at Dave’s Killer Bread after serving 15 years in prison.
According to a press release, today he is Plant Manager at the Milwaukie, OR bakery, overseeing nearly 200 employees and critical operations. With the stability, opportunity and respect he’s gained at Dave’s Killer Bread, he’s now mentoring others putting their lives back together after prison.
