<p> Viva Tierra Organic’s dedication to leaving a better environment for future generations goes well beyond distributing organic fruits and vegetables. The company has been nominated by Washington Vocational Services for an award from the Washington State Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment for its partnership with the Sedro-Woolley Adult Transition (SWAT) Program, according to a press release.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Since the program’s inception in 2009, Viva Tierra has provided guidance and interaction with students to help them participate in various office tasks, such as file destruction, filing, or shredding, which builds their confidence and strengthens their social and communication skills. The company has also donated office supplies, desks, tables, filing cabinets, and other items to a fundraiser to help purchase iPads for the SWAT students, which further enhances their communication skills and provides additional learning tools.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> “The enthusiasm the kids bring to their work is infectious. The growth we’ve seen in their skills and their confidence over their time in the program is extremely gratifying," says Erin Long, Accounting Lead. "We can really see the benefits of this program; not just for the kids and the community but also in the increased sensitivity in our staff for people with different abilities and needs. The kids inspire and teach us, as much or more as we teach them.”<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Addie Pobst, Sustainability Coordinator, says, “Our company and our growers believe strongly in the importance of sharing our bounty with those less fortunate than ourselves. Although it takes a bit of extra time and effort we all agree it’s worth it.”<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Thank you for your generous commitment to these students, Viva Tierra!</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href=" http://vivatierra.com/giving" target="_new"> Viva Tierra Organic </a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
