The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

The Greyston Foundation

The Greyston Foundation–We Are Open Hiring

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By Janine Crowley Haynes

It was a beautiful evening last Wednesday for the Greyston Foundation’s 2016 Gala held at Chef Peter Kelly’s X2O Xaviar’s on the Hudson. Approximately 250 people came out in support of the Foundation and over $275,000 was raised. Greyston Bakery, located in Southwest Yonkers, is known for its decadent baked goods. The Bakery delivers to Ben & Jerry’s 35,000 pounds of brownies and blondies that go into its various ice cream flavors. Their baked goods are also sold at Whole Foods as well as on their website greyston.com.

Mike Brady, President & CEO of Greyston with Greyston Bakery employee, Charles Jones
Mike Brady, President & CEO of Greyston with Greyston Bakery employee Charles Jones

Greyston Bakery is not your ordinary bakery. It’s known, in particular, for its Open Hiring policy wherein Greyston has a fundamental commitment to social justice…in which individuals are offered employment regardless of educational attainment, work history, incarceration, or past social barriers. Anyone with a positive attitude and strong work ethic is given a chance to transform their life for the better.

Open Hiring was the main theme of all the speeches given. Greyston Bakery employee Charles Jones gave a heartfelt speech about how his life was turned around and put on a path of success because of the opportunities and programs offered by the Greyston Foundation.

The Greyston Foundation provides various programs including job training, housing, and childcare—all intended to support and uplift its employees and their families and help them become self-sufficient and thrive, not just in the workplace, but in their personal lives as well.

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Greytson’s President & CEO Mike Brady with honorees Founder of Charter School of Educational Excellence Sobeida Cruz and Westchester County Legislator Ken Jenkins

This year, Greyston honored Founder of Charter School of Educational Excellence Sobeida Cruz and Westchester County Legislator Ken Jenkins. In attendance, were various local business owners who’ve supported Greyston and its business model of Open Hiring. Among them, President and CEO Peter Mollo and Howard Rosenzweig of Crown Products. Crown has hired a few of Greyston’s former employees.

Chappaqua resident Dr. Lydia Evans has been a longtime supporter of Greyston and its unique approach to education and employment. “There are many creative paths to success and, sometimes, alternative tracks provide the best outcome,” says Evans.

To learn more about Greyston Bakery and the Greyston Foundation and its mindful business practices, click here: http://theinsidepress.com/greyston-bakery-implementing-mindful-business-strategies-since-1982/

 

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Chappaqua resident Lydia Evans, M.D. with husband Arnold Toback, M.D.

 

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Mike Brady with Chef Peter Kelly, X2O Xaviar’s on the Hudson
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Pleasantville residents Caroline & Andy Rosengarden; Caroline is Associate to the Publisher of the Inside Press and Andy is Vice President of Finance at Greyston
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President & CEO Peter Mollo and Howard Rosenzweig of Crown Products

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Chappaqua’s John Tolomer Honored by The Greyston Foundation

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John-TolomerSpecial honorees at a May benefit of The Greyston Foundation–the country’s leading social enterprise–were Joe Armentano, CEO and Board Chairman, Paraco Gas Corporation, and Chappaqua’s John M. Tolomer, President and CEO, The Westchester Bank. Additionally, Lucy Moreno-Casanova, Greyston’s Community Gardens Coordinator, will be the recipient of the 2014 Bernie Glassman PathMaking Award.

This annual award is given in honor of founder Bernie Glassman and is grounded in the philosophy of “PathMaking,” the foundation’s belief that individuals can be supported to move forward on a path to self-sufficiency.

Through Armentano’s vision and leadership, Paraco Gas Corporation has experienced considerable growth and has transitioned from an industrial gas business to a leading propane energy company. Armentano is active on several boards and is the founding member of The Executive Association of Westchester, a business networking association of entrepreneurs with a philanthropic heart.

Tolomer has more than 20 years of retail and commercial banking experience in Westchester, including executive positions with Citibank and The Bank of New York, where he served as a senior vice president. He was named President and CEO of The Westchester Bank in November 2008, focused on providing highly personalized service to businesses in Westchester and the surrounding area.

Armentano and Tolomer have demonstrated a life-long commitment to supporting local charities and are especially proud of their work with the Greyston Foundation. Paraco Gas Corporation recently hired a Greyston Bakery employee as part of Greyston’s Next Steps program, and The Westchester Bank was a critical part of Greyston’s recent restructuring.

Moreno-Casanova, recipient of this year’s Bernie Glassman PathMaking Award, began her journey with Greyston as countless individuals do: as a member of the community. Participating as a volunteer in the Community Gardens Program for five years, her love of gardening, paired with her natural leadership and mentorship ability, positioned her to join the Greyston staff as coordinator of the program in 2000.

For more information, visit: www.greyston.org.