ATTACHMENT 2
Amended Community Benefits (Section G) Proposals
(Late Distribution)
East of Eden (GFC Central, LLC)
EAST OF EDEN | PDF File #2 | Evaluation Criteria | page 189 Community Outreach
We have worked closely with Nick Salinas and different highly respected local organizations, such as the Friends of Madera Animal Shelter, Olive Charitable organization, Madera Food Bank, and the Downtown Association, to develop very specific and actionable plans by which the business will support the work these organizations do to uplift the Madera community. The philanthropic initiatives we will undertake with these organizations are detailed in the application. These plans include robust commitments of financial support and volunteer hours each year.
Friends of Madera Animal Shelter
The Friends of Madera Animal Shelter is a non-profit organization dedicated to the care, rehabilitation, and adoption of domestic animals. Staffed by volunteers, FMAS main goals are: (1) remove animals from homeless situations (2) provide medical care and rehabilitation as necessary (3) place animals in secure adoptive homes (4) provide affordable vaccine & spay/ neuter services and (5) provide resources for stray & feral cats. FMAS rescues 2,000 animals annually and is the best avenue to reduce overcrowding and euthanizing in the shelter.
We met with Becky Koop, Executive Director of the Friends of Madera Animal Shelter (FMAS), who gave a tour of their facility, which housed about 15 cats/kittens at the time. Giving us a brief history of the organization, she explained how it has been running for 15 years, primarily running on donations and volunteers. This organization suffered a lot during the pandemic and had to discontinue their program of free cat spaying. At the time, they were housing a section of about 8 felines with a contagious disease, which they were treating. Once they receive a pet in their facility.
FMAS takes the appropriate steps to find qualified and loving forever homes through their adoption events.
Historically, Madera has had problems with a higher rate of shelter euthanization, and the Voucher Program helped immensely but ran out of funding, so, in effort to keep trying to support animal loving Madera residents, FMAS has aligned with the Madera Animal Shelter to sponsor a SNIP mobile clinic on July 25th and 26th. While the local alternative option, Hope Foundation, is a cheap option for residents, its located about 30 minutes in S E C T I O N G .
C O M M U N I T Y B E N E F I T S A N D
INVESTMENTS PLAN
We pledge to give a
minimum of
$100,000/ year
to Madera to support
community organizations
EAST OF EDEN | PDF File #2 | Evaluation Criteria | page 190 the neighboring city Fresno which can make a huge difference to low income pet owners. The event is spay/ neuter focused, hosting 2 mobile clinics for 2 days, which is access to 4 vets for medical appointments, spay/ neuter services, training e-collars, and pain meds. SNIP has saved hundreds of thousands of unwanted animals from being born and have spayed & neutered over 20,000 dogs and cats since they began, snipping 26-32 animals per clinic. This would be a first time FMAS collaboration with SNIP for Madera residents.
Upon being awarded a Cannabis Business Permit, we will help sponsor fundraisers and will contribute $20,000 annually to The Friends of Madera Animal Shelter. Additionally, we will offer our retail employees paid time off to volunteer at the shelter.
The O.L.I.V.E. Foundation
We met with April Molina, Executive Director at the Safe House, who explained the history of the O.L.I.V.E Charitable Organization. (The acronym stands for Overcoming Limitations through Intervention, Value and Empowerment) Founded in 2015 by Lt. Dan Foss of Madera Police Department and students attending Fresno State University, the O.L.I.V.E. Foundation addresses the gap in resources and agencies for victims of human sex trafficking. Their organization is unique in two ways: (1) they are a sex trafficking non-profit organization that was founded and has direct ties to law enforcement and (2) they have a unique approach as they attempt to empower those whose lives have been stunted in such a devastating way.
It brings a new approach of empowerment to the victims, in that they offer more of a “supportive service” and allow the victims/survivors to succeed in their own decision making. Through education, awareness and outreach, O.L.I.V.E. believes a difference can be made in the lives of the women who have been victimized. They work differently than other organizations; they allow the women to choose their own programs and therapists.
If they do not feel comfortable with one they take the time to find them the proper help and guidance. As well the recipients are introduced to different programs and services such as therapists, health providers, or educational classes, to stabilize their inner growth. And while the Olive Foundation started out with a team of law enforcement members and students in Madera, it has now expanded into other locations, such as Sacramento and Los Angeles.
Lt. Foss, Chairman/Founder of the O.L.I.V.E. Foundation, worked hard to open the only safe house in the County that focuses on victims of sex trafficking. Currently, their Madera location is a 4 bedroom dorm house with 1 bathroom, a living room space, and a small kitchen table. And while there is no stove, the women have a 2-burner electric cooktop and manage to bake cookies in a small oven. Currently, there are 3 ladies in the safe house, all which are on different stages of the program.
Upon being awarded a Cannabis Business Permit, we will donate $25,000 annually to the O.L.I.V.E. Foundation to help these victims of sex trafficking.
Madera Food Bank
The Madera County Food Bank services the entire city of Madera, Chowchilla, Fairmead and all mountain areas including Raymond, Coarsegold, Oakhurst and North Fork. The Food Bank relies heavily on dedicated volunteers to help prepare boxes and bags for the families and senior citizens of Madera County.
EAST OF EDEN | PDF File #2 | Evaluation Criteria | page 191 When we met with Ryan McWherter, Executive of the Madera Food Bank, and Michelle Ruiz who is their Operations Manager, they explained their long time service to the Food Bank; Ryan has been there for 12 years and Michelle for 14. We toured their distribution center and Store, which consisted of a large inventory of items such as canned and boxed foods, vitamins, toiletries and even baby products such as diapers and wipes. This Store Program was designed for churches and individuals to shop and pass on recipes of how to cook with the Store products. As well, the Madera Food Bank has a monthly senior “Brown Bag” Program. and gives food to the Madera Rescue Mission, Sunamite Place, amongst many other organizations.
The Food Bank distributes about 40,000 - 45,000 pounds of food to Madera County every month and currently has 3 semi trucks and 2 vans to conduct all deliveries and pickups. As well as donated contributions, they also receive support and food from Whole Foods and Trader Joes, alongside with many other local big retailers.
COVID-19 greatly affected the organization and the needs of the community went up 25%, but they were only able to get $1.4 million in grant help.They are still conducting capital campaigns and searching for loans to fulfill their $800,000 annual budget.
And while things were very well organized, their warehouse was full of equipment, inventory, and a crew of 10 volunteers. Their biggest struggle currently is that they outgrew their current location about 5 years ago, and were able to find a great location to relocate to, which is 3.5 acres and about 20,000 square feet in storage space.
Upon being awarded a Cannabis Business Permit, we will donate $25,000 annually to The Madera County Food Bank. We understand that this donation will be used to pay the Food Bank’s rent. Additionally, we will offer our retail employees paid time off to volunteer at the shelter.
The Madera County Courthouse Park: 9/11 Memorial
Madera County took part in a highly competitive selection process and was chosen to receive one of less than a dozen beams available and is creating a space of honor and reverence and to engage and unite the community.
The organization received a beam from the World Trade Center. The beam will be placed on a circular memorial in Courthouse Park, with a path leading to the beam and a viewing seat wall surrounding it. A donor plaque will be laid at the entry with a dedication area behind, adorned in glass pebbles with fire fighting insignias with memorial names. Upon being awarded a Cannabis Business Permit, we will donate $10,000 annually to the 9/11 Memorial Mural fund for the maintenance and upkeep of the Memorial.
Downtown Association
When we met with Nick Salinas, Chief of Staff of the Madera County Board of Supervisors and on the Madera Downtown Association Board of Directors, he walked us through a few projects that we could currently help with.
EAST OF EDEN | PDF File #2 | Evaluation Criteria | page 192 The Madera Downtown Association was suggested with Debbi Bray, the President/CEO of the Madera Chamber of Commerce and the Madera Downtown Association Board of Directors, as our main contact. The Madera Downtown Association supports revitalization of the central downtown area of Madera, such as public displays for holidays, beautification/cleaning efforts, sponsoring increased City parking to increase the business potential serving the people of Madera.
The Downtown Association largely operates off impact fees, which come from parking and limited other contributions from the city. They operate with a $40,000 annual budget and outside of that budget, they do not have any other revenue.
There are 2 programs that the Downtown Association organizes annually, the Old Timers Parade and the Christmas Parade, as well as maintaining and servicing the Christmas lights in downtown.
Old Timer’s Day Parade
After having to cancel last year’s parade, the Downtown Association is happy to be organizing this historical event again this year. The parade, which was launched during the Great Depression, is now an 89-year old tradition that we would be happy to be a part of. Upon being awarded a Cannabis Business Permit, we will contribute a total of $10,000 annually for five years (2 times the highest donation/sponsorship amount) to the Old Timer’s Day Parade. 4th of July Fireworks
The 4th of July fireworks celebration is an annual community event that happens near our store location. While COVID-19 postponed the event for a few years, the Downtown Association has expressed a desire to bring this rallying celebration back to the community. Upon being awarded a Cannabis Business Permit, we will contribute a total of $10,000 annually to the 4th of July Fireworks show as we believe this important event helps minimize illegal fireworks in the area.
Partnership with Local Artist
To celebrate opening our store in Madera and in an effort to support the local art community, we have consulted with Patricia Pratt to paint a mural inside our retail store. Patricia Pratt, a 3rd generation visual artist from the Central Valley grew up in rural Merced County and continues to reside in the Central Valley. Currently, owns and operates an art gallery and design studio in Downtown Merced, focusing on murals, design, curation and custom products. She also serves as the California Program Director of Urbanists Collective, a Central Valley based non-profit arts organization that promotes career paths for urban artists. This non-profit has painted murals in Madera and recently hosted a group art show at the Madera County Arts Council Circle Gallery. Her personal background and history of the area will help create art that will connect us to our community and residents.
EAST OF EDEN | PDF File #2 | Evaluation Criteria | page 193 Located opposite of the POS, all of our customers will see this statement upon exiting our store. The cost for this large scale (16’ x 8’) project has been estimated to start at $6,500 with a potential to scatter more artwork throughout the store interior.
Long Standing Tradition of Giving Back to Our Communities Our community benefits and investments plan in Madera will build on our history of community involvement in other jurisdictions, such as in Monterey County and Union City. Examples of our proven track record of community outreach are provided below:
Combatting Homelessness
We have been a strong supporter of Downtown Streets Team Salinas since 2015.
Downtown Streets Team is regarded as one of the most effective organizations working on homelessness issues in California. The group is working to combat the homelessness epidemic in 13 communities across California, including Salinas. Mike is a Member of the organization’s Board of Directors and a public champion for the group in the community. Mike works to ensure that Downtown Streets Team Salinas’ programming is designed to reach as many local residents in need as possible. Mike also helps the organization tap into more sources of donations in Salinas, further expanding its reach.
Downtown Streets Team offers individuals the option to volunteer to clean the streets in exchange for a path out of homelessness. Those experiencing homelessness volunteer on teams and begin working collaboratively on beautification projects. Team Members who show dedication and leadership skills have the ability to rise up to become Team Leads, then Managers, and supervise others with little or no supervision from staff. In return, Team Members receive a non-cash stipend to help cover their basic needs, while taking advantage of case management and employment services to find housing and a job. The ultimate goal is to transition Team Members into employment.
Our work with Downtown Streets Team over the past several years has helped hundreds of vulnerable individuals in Salinas transition into employment. As a result of the success the program has had locally, it has been adopted in communities across California to combat growing trends towards homelessness.
Reducing Youth Incarceration
We are a longtime supporter of Rancho Cielo Youth Campus, a comprehensive learning and social services center that aims to develop alternatives to incarceration for disconnected youth in Monterey County. The organization was started in 2000 by former Monterey County Superior Court Judge Phillips, who was growing alarmed about the growing epidemic of youth mass incarceration in the local community.
Rancho Cielo became the loudest and most persistent voice in favor of developing alternatives to incarceration, especially for local youth.
We have donated over
$1,000,000
and over
500 volunteer
hours
Mural Design Inspiration
EAST OF EDEN | PDF File #2 | Evaluation Criteria | page 194 The organization provides services related to vocational training, mental health counseling, and job readiness. As a result of our support of Rancho Cielo’s programming, the organization has been able to serve hundreds of additional youths since 2016. Monterey County officials have recognized the organization for helping reduce rates of youth incarceration in some of its most vulnerable communities.
Our work with Rancho Cielo is important given the legacy of cannabis criminalization in the Salinas Valley, which has disproportionately impacted members of minority communities and limited their access to economic opportunity. In addition to providing financial support, we organize and support Rancho Cielo’s public events, in which youth receive public support from friends and family to ensure their continued participation in the program.
Supporting the Local Veteran’s Community
The veterans community is an important part of the social fabric in Monterey County. The region has a strong sense of connection to nearby military installations, such as those at the Presidio of Monterey, Fort Hunter Liggett, and Camp Roberts. The annual Monterey County Veteran’s Parade is one of the most important civic events of the year and is attended by tens of thousands of people. Local residents beginning their military careers take part in a mass oath of enlistment surrounded by friends and family, a very important ceremony in the community.
We have been a supporter of the Monterey County Veteran’s Day Parade for the past five years. In addition to providing financial support, our employees have volunteered at the event each year. This includes our commitment to helping organize and volunteer at the “Seniors’ Parade”, an event dedicated to celebrating senior citizens in the community that are veterans.
Supporting Agricultural Workers
We are a supporter of the Hebbron Family Center in East Salinas, which serves residents that are recent migrants to Salinas. Many of these individuals work in the local agricultural industry. The Hebbron Center aims to promote the educational advancement of farm workers and their family members working in agriculture. It supports projects designed to promote financial and nutritional well-being and independence in these communities. The Hebbron Center also has an advocacy arm, focusing on local and state laws that impact agricultural workers and advocating for changes that improve their livelihood and well-being.
We help support Hebbron Center’s programming and its efforts to deliver key services to low-income residents in East Salinas. This includes the organization’s citizenship and language classes, its youth literacy programs, and programming to EAST OF EDEN | PDF File #2 | Evaluation Criteria | page 195 combat gang recruitment. We sponsor the Annual Spring Celebration at the Hebbron Family Center every year and organize the community raffle that serves as a source of the organization’s funding. We have also donated equipment and other resources to the organization.
Improving Police-Community Relations
We have been a major sponsor of Salinas’ National Night Out each year since 2015.
National Night Out is now regarded by the Salinas Police Department as one of the most effective initiatives the City has for promoting trust between law enforcement and local citizens. Our support of this event in East Salinas’ local communities has led to more effective police/community partnerships.
We have sponsored the largest local block party in East Salinas, associated with National Night Out each year.
We oversee the programming for the event, including
the games and contests, discussion of neighborhood
public safety issues, the setting of neighborhood goals, planned community beautification efforts and the
Neighborhood Watch Program. Our block party draws
thousands of community members each year and has
led the Police Department, Fire Department, and other
key figures in the City to interact with local residents and build stronger relationships.
As in the other cities in which we operate, we plan
to be an outstanding partner and an essential part
of the social fabric in Madera, including partnerships
with the local police department. As shown here we
have a letter from the Chief of Police from Union City
demonstrating how we are good partners with the
police department and local community.
EAST OF EDEN | PDF File #2 | Evaluation Criteria | page 196 Sugarpine 559 (Sugarpine 559, LLC)
Section G: Community Benefits and Investment Plan
Sugarpine 559 is committed to contributing $150,000.00 annually to the City of Madera General Fund upon receipt of a State Cannabis Permit to operate. Sugarpine 559 is confident that our city officials will know where to best spend the funds to help improve the community, including the revitalization of the downtown area and parks.
Ahmed “Mike” Alamari, owner of Sugarpine 559 Inc. (Sugarpine) has a long history of contributing back to the greater Madera community and youth and Sugarpine will continue this tradition. Sugar pine chose to brand itself with the name because its connection to the community. Mike was born and raised in Madera and understands the needs of the community. Sugar pine will create a police liaison position to continue the legacy of other businesses operated by Mr. Alamari. The community liaison will engage directly with the city and local leaders to further expand support for local law enforcement needs. More importantly, we will reach out directly to the community we serve.
As a Madera High School graduate, U.C. Merced graduate and lifelong Madera resident for 31 years, Mike has committed to continue donating to local charities and causes to benefit Madera’s youth and community-based organizations. For the past two years, Mr.
Alamari has contributed $5,000 to the Ronald McDonald House at Valley Children’s Hospital for its Adopt-A-Room. This allows a family to have a local place to stay similar to a hotel when their child is enduring a stay at Valley Children’s. He has also committed to giving $25,000 for the new building expenses for the expansion of the new Ronald McDonald House.
Mr. Alamari believes in youth and providing them every opportunity to be successful and to go to college. He has sponsored the Madera Farm Bureau’s scholarship foundation for 5 years now. Three lucky students receive a $1,000 scholarship based on criteria set by the farm bureau. Mike has plans to continue this tradition well into the future. Mr.
Alamari purchased over 750 coats for kids who live in three of the most underresourced areas of Madera and Fresno. In 2019 he sponsored the Central Unified School Districts Coats for Kids give away. He then decided to bring the project home in 2021 by purchase five hundred coats for elementary school kids in Madera. Mike hopes to continue this tradition as well and team up with other Madera businesses to provide more coats for the program. Mike has also held backpack giveaways prior to the beginning of the school year both in August of 2020 and August of 2021. Over five hundred backpacks were provided to Madera students in 2020 and in 2021, he passed out 250 backpacks to students in Fresno in addition to the five hundred in Madera.
Overall, the community is incredibly grateful to have a person like Mr. Alamari constantly giving back to the community. These events will not only continue but grow soon. Pacific Farm management currently operates a community outreach program and has events year-round. We will tap into our current network and expand on the efforts.
Aside from the student-based programs Mike has been a part of, he also has stepped up in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic. In late March of 2020, the community was experiencing a short supply of bottled water and toilet paper. Mr. Alamari worked effortlessly the weekend on March 21st to secure water and toilet paper. He got a hold of 350 cases of water and 1500 rolls of toilet tissue. He was originally going to sell the products to the public at cost due to other retail markets price gouging. Instead, he published on Facebook that he would provide each family that drove to his shop the following Monday morning with a free case of bottled water and four free rolls of toilet paper. The post was extremely successful, and he was able to pass out the supplies in an hour on March 23rd, 2020.
In April of 2020 during the peak of the first COVID-19 outbreak; Mr. Alamari read that the Madera Community Hospital was severely short of protective supplies. Using his network from his supply business, he took it upon himself to donate to the hospital staff by providing medical gloves, N95 masks, and sanitation/disinfectant supplies. Total value was over $4,000 at a time when all the hospitals supply chain was exhausted.
Mike’s donation to the Madera Community Hospital was published on local news media.
He then received a request from Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno to purchase supplies if available. Mike responded promptly but providing another pallet of similar goods at no cost to Community Regional Medical in downtown Fresno! Overall, Mike is an exceptional person and businessperson in his community. He is very philanthropically driven. Mr. Alamari has plans to leverage profits from Sugarpine and inject them directly into the local community. He will do this by providing quarterly grants for recognized non-profits in the Madera area. Mike will also consult with community leaders in finding programs and ways to help the youth community since he is a firm believer in the critical age window of 10-14 dictates a person’s future. In addition, we are committed to empowering and cultivating a new generation of student leaders.
Sugarpine not only believes in monetary contributions, but we will also be involved in local efforts. Our employees will share this value and we will count on them to do charity work as well. Thus, our team will help in providing mentorship of local youth and volunteering at local community events such as Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. In addition, we are committed to assisting the City of Madera in beautification projects in Downtown and around our city. Pacific Farm management currently operates a community outreach program and has events year-round. We will tap into our current network and expand on the efforts. https://www.maderatribune.com/single-post/pacific-farm-management-hands-outbackpacks https://www.maderatribune.com/single-post/2020/04/02/cal-pacific-helps-out-more-than300-families Stiiizy (Shryne Madera, LLC)
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Section G: Amended Community Benefits Plan
Giving back and investing in our local communities is an essential part of who we are as a company. Shryne Group has a tremendous track record of providing community benefits in all of the cities that we operate in. More importantly, we have fulfilled every commitment we have made. In 2021 alone, we’ve donated over $1,000,000 to various non-profits such as the Boys and Girls Club, Food Share, Imperial Valley Food Bank, Community Action North Bay, Self-Care Lab, Corona Settlement House, Food Bank of Contra Costa County, Family Justice Center, Monument Crisis Center, San Gabriel Valley Conservation Corps, Shelter Inc., Southern California Service Corps, United Playaz, and veterans’ organizations such as Battle Brothers and Vet Hunters. Shryne Group’s community efforts were recently honored by the CLIO Awards for excellence in public service.
In Madera, we will continue our history of contributing to every city in which we have a presence through monetary contributions and volunteerism as described below.
1% of Gross Revenue Contribution
Shryne Group reviewed the City of Madera’s Consolidated Plan, interviewed local residents and businesses, and solicited feedback from key stakeholders about the needs of the community and how they envision Shryne Group contributing to the community as a neighbor. Based on feedback we received about community needs, we have determined that housing, domestic violence, workforce development and child development are some of the most pressing needs of Madera where we believe Shryne can contribute towards.
To address these needs and other needs that come up, Stiiizy Madera will create a Shryne Group Community Benefits Foundation and contribute 1% of gross receipts annually towards this fund which will be earmarked towards donations directly to the City of Madera and to non-profit organizations. This Foundation will be driven by an Advisory Board comprised of local community leaders. The Advisory Board will initially be focused on identifying projects and non-profit organizations which are in need of funds towards improving housing, domestic violence, workforce development and child development. 1% of gross receipts is estimated to be $210,125 in Year 1, $241,640 in Year 2 and $258,049 in Year 3 for a 3 year estimated total of $709,814.
Local Organizations Commitments
In addition to our 1% of gross receipts annual contribution to the Shryne Group Foundation, we have also identified 2 Madera non-profit organizations which we will contribute to directly every year which will help us make the biggest impact towards improving housing, domestic violence, workforce development and child development in Madera.
UNITED WAY OF FRESNO AND MADERA COUNTIES (UWFM)
United Way of Fresno and Madera Counties (UWFM) is a local branch of an established non-profit that operates in Madera, working closely with government, non-profit agencies, and the community to improve the health, education, and financial stability of every person. United Way spearheads critical services in Madera such as Madera Rising, which is a comprehensive approach to financial stability that advances all aspects of prosperity - from career and employment counseling, home ownership, financial planning, and expanding social capital to broader networks. We have previously donated to United Way of Ventura County as well as United Way of Merced County and want to continue our relationship with the Fresno and Madera Counties branch. We have been in communication with Executive Director, Lindsay Fox, and VP of Impact, Coreen Campos, who advised us about the most important issues in Madera. We have donated $2,500 initially and have pledged to donate $7,500 annually to address these priority issues if we are selected to operate in the City of Madera.
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COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP OF MADERA COUNTY (CAPMC)
Community Action Partnership of Madera County (CAPMC) is a non-profit founded in 1965 to improve the social well-being and economic capacity of low to moderate-income individuals and families, as well as providing opportunities to achieve economic independence in Madera.
CAPMC was created by the Madera County Board of Supervisors and has direct engagement with the community and its leaders on how to effectively service Madera’s most important issues. As Madera County’s anti-poverty agency, CAPMC serves low income residents annually through its broad spectrum of programs and resources such as crisis intervention, shelter, and child development services. We have been in communications with Executive Director, Mattie Mendez, who advised us about the most important issues in Madera as well as the challenges the agency faces. We have donated $2,500 initially and have pledged to donate $7,500 annually to address these priority issues if we are selected to operate in the City of Madera.
Volunteerism
Shryne Group has always been actively involved in supporting difference-makers and promoting social justice within our communities. In 2021, Shryne Group introduced our first-ever, employee volunteer group: Joint Efforts. Through Joint Efforts all employees are invited to volunteer together at various events identified and sponsored by Shryne Group at least twice a month.
Stiiizy Madera will continue the Joint Efforts program in Madera. Employees will be able to utilize their 16 hours of paid time-off for volunteerism to support initiatives from homeless shelters, street clean up efforts, and local food drives.
Upon licensure, the Joint Efforts program in Madera will immediately begin to identify causes and organizations we can volunteer with.
Our employees will also volunteer monthly with our partner organizations the United Way of Fresno and Madera Counties and Community Action Partnership of Madera County and other organizations which the employees are passionate about.
In addition to the bi-monthly planned events hosted by Stiiizy Madera, our employees will also have the opportunity to volunteer individually or in smaller groups on an ad-hoc basis with the prior approval of the managers. Our organization has strong relationships with veteran organizations and homeless organizations, and our Madera employees will continue this tradition of assisting these groups. See below photos of our Thanksgiving Food Drive and our food drop off to veterans during National Food Bank Day.
Our goal is to provide at least 200 hours of volunteer hours annually in the City of Madera.
Product Promotion Proceeds
In addition to direct contributions, contributions through the Shryne Group Community Benefits, and volunteerism, Stiiizy Madera will also collaborate with Madera’s homelessness and veterans’ organizations to allocate a percentage of our promotional proceeds to these organizations and raise public awareness of their issues. All profits from our BLESSED BY STIIIZY brand sold at Stiiizy Madera will be contributed towards homelessness and veteran’s causes and organizations. We undertake this program at every one of our stores and contributed over $300,000 in proceeds from BLESSED BY STIIIZY proceeds in 2021.
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Compassionate Care
Stiiizy Madera will partner with the Weed for Warriors Project to donate medical cannabis to the Madera veteran community. We have a history of working with the Weed for Warriors Project and greatly respect the social justice work they do and look forward to partnering with them in Madera.
Medical cannabis is widely and positively regarded in the veteran community as a way to alleviate symptoms of pain and PTSD without the undesirable side effects that prescription opioids and anxiolytics can cause. These prescription medications have the potential to be not only addictive, but also life threatening in some cases, so it is understandable that many veterans opt for a more holistic and natural approach to addressing complications, disabilities, and other ailments that may have resulted from their time in service.
This treatment option, although natural, still presents a financial hurdle to some medical card holding military veterans.
The system that was intended to help and support our soldiers find relief from physical and mental conditions is sorely lacking and allows vets to fall through the cracks. Under current laws and policies, veterans only have access to FDAapproved pharmaceuticals through the Department of Veterans Affairs, which does not include medical cannabis.
Stiiizy is a proud veteran-led company, and we salute all those who have served and are currently serving. We understand that these troops risked their lives to fight for our country, but they are not getting the support that they deserve back home which is why it is so vital to demonstrate our support and listen to their concerns. 138
Youth Drug Prevention Education
In addition to the informational sessions we will hold regarding the science and safe use of cannabis, we hope to educate the public and especially families on the dangers of drug abuse. The Shryne Group is actively in the process of developing a Youth Drug Prevention Education program that we will implement throughout our retail locations, including in Madera.
Preventing access of drugs to youths and educating the public on drug abuse and youth prevention is one of our main priorities as a legal cannabis operator. We will continue to do our part to educate the public in Madera with these types of initiatives.
We recently partnered with the leading Spanish language magazine in California, Para Todos18, for us to provide monthly educational articles on cannabis for their Spanish language readers. The topics covered in our monthly articles include preventing youth access, health and science of cannabis, dosing and other topics which can educate the Spanish speaking community in Madera and other cities in California on the risks of youth use of cannabis and drug addiction. 18 http://paratodos.com/pt/
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We also regularly distribute educational materials at our stores on safe dosing, preventing abuse and addiction and youth drug use prevention such as the materials below.
Take a Tolerance Break
Moderation is important with any substance, and everyone should use cannabis in a safe manner. After prolonged cannabis use, you may find yourself not feeling the same level of effects.
Using cannabis safely can often include taking a "tolerance break". A tolerance break is when a person abstains from cannabis use to clear one's body of cannabinoids like THC and establish good habits and boundaries with using cannabis in a safe and healthy manner. Taking a break may allow for the reverse of tolerance buildup and allow for a consistently positive experience when using cannabis in moderation. Not taking a break can lead to negative effects of overconsumption due to having a higher tolerance level.
If you choose to take a tolerance break, stay healthy with these simple ideas while you learn the right dose to help create balance for your mind and body:
Stay hydrated - Eat healthy Pick up a hobby - Stay active (workout, pick up a sport, go on a hike, etc.)
What’s Your M.E.D.?
A person’s response to cannabis can vary due to things like their age, genetics, food intake, and prior exposure. A person’s minimum effective dose (M.E.D.) may be a couple puffs from a cannabis flower pre-roll or several long inhalations from a vaporizer pen. To discover what your M.E.D is, consider these steps:
• Start with a small dose: For example, half of a low dose gummy or 1-2 quick puffs from a cannabis pre-roll or vaporizer.
• Give your body some time to react: The effect of cannabis smoke or vapor can be felt almost immediately upon proper inhalation, while edibles (cannabis that is ingested as food) can take up to 30 minutes or even longer to feel.
• Repeat incremental dose or note final dose: After some time, if you find yourself not feeling any effect, continue to adjust your microdose level.
If you feel just right, just chill and enjoy. If you feel overwhelmed or "too high", the following ideas have shown to help with tolerating the effect:
Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol - Move yourself to a relaxing location where you can decompress and relax - Lay down but don’t close your eyes if you feel dizzy - Ask someone to keep you company to take your mind off the high - Perform breathing exercises - Get some sleep
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or seek immediate medical assistance.
Scholarships and Workforce Development
SCHOLARSHIPS
Stiiizy Madera will grant up to two scholarships for low income citizens of Madera every two years. The scholarships will pay for at least two years of coursework at Madera Community College. The scholarship recipients will also have the option of working part-time at Shryne Group’s own retail, manufacturing, or cultivation operations as part of our apprenticeship program so that he or she can receive hands on experience and training in the cannabis industry to supplement their formal education. Stiiizy Madera and Shryne Group look forward to implementing this program in Madera.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Shryne Group will provide workforce development courses led by college instructors for our Madera employees at no cost. We will compensate our employees for their participation in the program and they will also receive college credits for completing these courses. The classes will be held every two to three weeks at the Madera facility or via Zoom and will be free of charge to the employees. Employees who were initially scheduled to work during the classes will be paid to attend. One set of courses typically contain 8-10 classes, with subjects including, but not limited to:
● Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint);
● Supply chain logistics and basic accounting;
● Team facilitation, effective followership, and conflict resolution strategies; ● Effective customer service and active listening; and
● Leadership strategies, task-oriented skills, and effective performance feedback.
Upon completion of a course, the employee will receive 1-3 college units which can be transferred to any 2 or 4-year college.
We believe that providing educational opportunities and opportunities to receive free college credit to our employees will help them attain the goal of thriving regardless of background or income level. 140
Stiiizy Los Angeles Taking a Class on Digital Literacy
Letters from Local Non-Profit Partners
See below Letters from our Madera partners, United Way of Fresno and Madera Counties and Community Action Partnership of Madera County.
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