Stories

Gifts that Build Community (and Delight!)

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This holiday season consider high-quality gifts that strengthen local businesses and the communities they serve. Each of these enterprises is part of the LEAF portfolio, and their businesses create jobs, build ownership, and uplift the community. A purchase from any…

From Garage Dreams to Boston’s Blooming Scene (Boston, MA)

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When Yanique Shaw, founder of Boston Flower Co., arranged flowers for her uncle’s 70th birthday, she discovered a passion that would soon reshape her career. The oldest of her siblings, Ms. Shaw had always taken charge—but this time, creativity took…

Still Driving Forward: San Francisco Green Cab (San Francisco, CA)

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In 2007, longtime taxi driver Mark Gruberg and his colleagues decided to change how their industry worked. Tired of corrupt, top-down companies, they built San Francisco Green Cab—a driver-owned, environmentally responsible cooperative. Every driver became a part-owner, and they launched…

Community Land Trusts: A Path to Stable, Healthy Communities

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For most families, finding affordable housing is their greatest challenge. Rising costs force people to make difficult choices between paying the rent, buying food, accessing healthcare, and affording childcare. This instability does more than strain budgets. It hurts mental health,…

Bringing your Whole Self to Work (USA)

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Bringing your whole self to work can be challenging, especially during difficult times. Emma Yorra aimed to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, particularly those who are often overlooked: the neurodiverse, people with disabilities, and those living with mental…

The Brown Bear Early Learning Center (Boston, MA)

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When Dawne Brown was asked to step in and run two childcare centers – 200 children, 70 staff – at the non-profit where she worked, she said yes. She knew she was capable and, after she took it on, others…

Building Homes the Cooperative Way (Grand Rapids, MI)

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In 2019, JD Sullivan was working two jobs and still couldn’t afford housing in Grand Rapids, MI. Then he discovered a housing cooperative. For a modest buy-in, he gained stable, affordable housing. Today, JD is not only a resident but…

Berkshire Bank Partners with LEAF

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Affordable housing and local business ownership are cornerstones of thriving communities. LEAF will be able to expand both in New England to help build long-term economic growth thanks to recent financing from Boston-based Berkshire Bank, in partnership with a program…

Nevitt Brings Experience & Mission to LEAF

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Talia Nevitt’s path to LEAF began with a simple question: How can I work alongside people and make a difference? After earning her degree in Political Science from the University of Pittsburgh, she found an answer in her own city…

LEAF Will Be Closed on Fridays in July and August 2025

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LEAF will be closed on Fridays in July and August to give our team time to rest, recharge, and return each week with renewed energy and focus. This shift reflects our commitment to staff well-being and our belief that rest…

Chatham Harvesters: A Local Fish Story (Chatham, MA)

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The math stopped working for Cape Cod fishermen in Chatham, MA. Global markets lowered prices while costs climbed. Local cod populations crashed, yet restaurants still served cod – 90% imported from Iceland. Tourists craved fresh fish but bought frozen substitutes.…