La Casa de la Cobija Honored as 2024 West Michigan Sustainable Business of the Year for Advancing Community Leadership and Justice

Grand Rapids, MI – October 22, 2024 – Michigan Sustainable Business Forum (MiSBF) proudly recognizes La Casa de la Cobija as one of its 2024 West Michigan Sustainable Business of the Year honorees. Known for fostering community leadership and resilience, La Casa de la Cobija has become a cornerstone in the Grand Rapids community, promoting cultural, civic, and environmental initiatives that empower residents to shape a more sustainable future for themselves.

Beyond its roots as a business, La Casa de la Cobija embodies social impact through its “Grandmothers to the Rescue” initiative. This project exemplifies the center’s commitment to sustainability, offering essential resources and creating a sense of belonging for the community. Founder Angelica Velázquez emphasizes:

“A primera instancia, mi negocio parece estar enfocado en vender cobijas y vestimenta, pero en realidad somos mucho más que una tienda. En este espacio, hacemos que la comunidad se sienta arropada, escuchada y bienvenida. Mi fundación, “Abuelas al Rescate” surgió como respuesta a esta necesidad, y estoy dispuesta a seguir abriendo nuestras puertas a cualquiera que desee unirse para que nuestro vecindario sea un lugar próspero, seguro, responsable y lleno de oportunidades.” – Angelica

“At first glance, my business seems to be focused on selling blankets and clothing, but in reality, we are much more than just a store. In this space, we make the community feel supported, heard, and welcomed My foundation, “Grandmothers to the Rescue” emerged as a response to this need, and I am willing to keep opening our doors to anyone who wishes to join so that our neighborhood can be a prosperous, safe, responsible, and opportunity-filled place.”

In addition to its retail efforts, La Casa de la Cobija has introduced home gardening initiatives, providing residents with tools and seeds to grow their own food. This promotes not only environmental sustainability but also fosters community connections by encouraging neighbors to share their harvests. Velázquez’s long-term vision for her business also includes the development of a community center and resource hub. Plans are already underway to transform part of their current space into a café and community gathering area, where residents can access employment resources and children can utilize computers for schoolwork.

“Estoy profundamente agradecida de recibir este reconocimiento por parte del Michigan Sustainable Business Forum. Esta visibilidad me permite compartir que en nuestro corredor hay gente trabajadora, empática y con una fuerte convicción de apoyarnos mutuamente. Tenemos muchos sueños y aspiraciones, pero necesitamos de su ayuda para que estas metas se logren. Los invito a colaborar con nosotros; juntos podemos fortalecer los negocios locales y revitalizar nuestra comunidad.”

“Por el tiempo que Dios me lo permita, me comprometo a seguir presente para mi comunidad, a tender una mano a quienes lo necesiten, a invertir en las próximas generaciones y a seguir celebrando nuestras raíces y cultura.” – Angelica

“I am deeply grateful to receive this recognition from the Michigan Sustainable Business Forum. This visibility allows me to share that in our corridor there are hardworking, empathetic people with a strong conviction to support one another. We have many dreams and aspirations, but we need your help to achieve these goals. I invite you to collaborate with us; together, we can strengthen local businesses and revitalize our community.”

“As long as God allows me, I am committed to staying present for my community, lending a hand to those in need, investing in future generations, and continuing to celebrate our roots and culture.”

The award will be presented during the 11th Annual Triple Bottom Line Bash on October 23, 2024, at The High Five Grand Rapids. The event will feature an evening of celebration, networking, and a special tribute to MiSBF’s 30th anniversary. Attendees will enjoy a locally sourced dinner and beverages while helping to support MiSBF’s ongoing statewide programming that promotes sustainable business practices across Michigan.

Event Details:

• Date: October 23, 2024
• Time: 6 PM to 9 PM
• Location: The High Five Grand Rapids, 819 LaGrave Avenue SE

Media contacts:

• Torri Mathes, MiSBF Communications Manager; tmathes@misbf.org, 248-413-7517