Interns – We The People Opportunity Farm

Our Interns

2025

Patrice

Patrice embodies authenticity and integrity in her roles. With experience as a Life Skills Peer Leader, she has taught essential skills like time management and budgeting. Her work as a Machine Operator and Quality Inspector showcases her focus, self-awareness, and resilience in ensuring product quality.

Raised on a farm, Patrice has a rich background in the food and produce industry. After a 10-month incarceration, she has faced and overcome numerous challenges, maintaining stability and balance in her life. Her goal is to become a peer counselor, connecting with and helping others in the community who suffer from addiction.

Outside of work, Patrice enjoys knitting, crocheting, bowling, and spending time with family. Her great sense of humor and outgoing nature reflect her commitment to a balanced, sober lifestyle. Patrice’s dedication to finding a job that supports her recovery underscores her drive for stability and organization.

Patrice exemplifies the power of resilience and focus in transforming her life and supporting her community.

Cameron

I’ve lived in Michigan my entire life and hold a BA in Philosophy from Eastern Michigan University. At this point in my life, I’m looking for steady, grounded work that supports my well-being as i reassess my long-term goals. While i’m not pursuing a farming career, i value the chance to contribute through physical work, stay present, and take on responsibilities in a real and tangible setting. I appreciate environments that offer a clear rhythm and a sense of purpose, especially as i work on building stability and momentum again.

David

My name is Dave Clair. I grew up in Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor. I heard about WTPOF through a friend who currently works the farm as well. I was incarcerated for 4 years so what i hope to accomplish is to restore my worth ethic to its former glory. I also hope to bring light to the opportunity here at the farm so other people can find their way to an honest way of living.

Sapphire

My name is Sapphire, I grew up all over until I was about 10 and came to Michigan and I’ve been here ever since. At 12 I moved to Ann Arbor and I haven’t left Washtenaw County since. I heard about the program from a friend that got it from her probation officer. I’m hoping to give myself the room to grow and think about things I can do to become the best version of myself in a safe and comfortable environment.

David

I am from Ann Arbor, MI. What I want out of this internship is to be more connected with my community, to serve and show people that there are people that will help you when you need it. I look forward to growing food at the farm and living a productive life in society. I love my We The People Opportunity Farm family!

Vassili

Hello there, I am Vassili, participant and worker at WTPOF program. I currently reside in Ypsilanti, where I moved 10 years ago from the Republic of Congo. I always have passion for farming and planting. When a friend of mine suggested the program, I was instantly interested with expectations of learning more in the field of agriculture as well as utilize other programs that are offered by WTPOF. Finally, i am hoping to sharpen my skills and abilities in farming. Let’s change the soil together.

2024

Jackson

Jackson embodies authenticity, integrity, and focus, channeling his life experiences into positive change. With a diverse background in peer support navigation, landscaping, general labor, and gardening, Jackson demonstrates a balanced and organized approach to his work.

Like many other returning citizens, Jackson understands the challenges individuals face upon reentry into society, such as finding steady, gainful employment and meaningful community involvement. An activist at heart, he deeply cares about the impacts of incarceration and trauma on himself and others.

As a devout Muslim and Egyptian-American, Jackson’s life is enriched by his faith and heritage. His hobbies include gardening, riding motorcycles, and enjoying things in shades of black. Jackson is committed to using his self-awareness and resilience to improve the world around him, making lemonade from lemons.

David

Affectionately known as “Skateboard,” David is a force of resilience and authenticity. His journey, marked by challenges and triumphs, is a testament to the power of second chances and the pursuit of meaningful goals.

Driven by a deep sense of family values, David’s greatest aspiration is to reconnect with his aging grandmother in Puerto Rico. His optimism and determination shine through despite the barriers he faces upon his release from incarceration.

With an outgoing personality and natural leadership qualities, David brings a contagious enthusiasm to everything he does. Whether he’s skateboarding or spreading laughter, he cherishes each moment, embodying the joy of living life to the fullest.

David’s story reminds us that no obstacle is insurmountable and that resilience, authenticity, and the pursuit of meaningful connections can lead us to a brighter future.

De’Andre

De’Andre is a warm, sweet, and empathetic individual known for his personable nature and caring attitude. With extensive experience in the service industry, De’Andre has demonstrated exceptional leadership, teamwork, and organizational skills.

After a brief detour with incarceration, De’Andre is focused on building a solid future. His goals include buying a car and a house, reflecting his drive for stability and progress.

In his free time, De’Andre enjoys playing basketball and traveling, whether for big trips or small getaways. His friendly and compassionate nature makes him a valued member of our team, embodying integrity, balance, and self-awareness.

Jessica

Jessica is dedicated to her recovery journey and will celebrate two years clean in September. Her future goals include continuous personal growth, staying close to God, maintaining an open mind, and always being willing to improve. Jessica’s positive outlook is centered on constantly moving upward.

Faith is a huge part of Jessica’s life. She loves to travel and is active in her recovery. Facing the challenges of rebuilding her life and being a mother of three with determination and grace, Jessica is planting the seeds of a bright future. She embodies resilience, self-awareness, and a strong commitment to her values. Jessica has a huge heart for kids, a passion for helping people, and has walked many different roads in life, making her well-rounded and experienced in diversity.

Patrice

2023

Donte

Introducing Donte, a standout member of We The People Opportunity Farm’s (WTPOF) 2022 cohort who made such a lasting impact that we eagerly welcomed him back for this year’s program. Donte’s unwavering dedication and reliability have made him a cornerstone of our community.

Throughout his time at the farm, Donte consistently displayed his commitment to our program, often arriving early and setting an inspiring example for his peers. With each passing day, we witnessed Donte’s remarkable growth in confidence and his deepening understanding of intricate farming practices, establishing himself as a role model for active participation.

Donte’s journey extends beyond our farm as he now sets his sights on sustainable employment, supported by our invaluable network of community partners. His story exemplifies the transformational potential of the WTPOF program, and we are excited to witness the continued success of this exceptional individual as he forges a brighter future.

Destiny

Meet Destiny, a dedicated and introspective participant in the We The People Opportunity Farm (WTPOF) program. Destiny’s journey through the criminal justice system, which began at a young age, has been a testament to her remarkable resilience and personal growth.

Throughout her time with us, Destiny consistently displayed thoughtfulness and a commitment to self-improvement. One of her notable achievements during her tenure at WTPOF was successfully addressing her car and license issues, enabling her to legally drive for the first time—a significant milestone worth celebrating!

Destiny’s aspirations continue to evolve as she diligently pursues her goal of completing her GED, a testament to her determination to secure a brighter future. With unwavering support from our dedicated community partners, Destiny is well on her way to achieving her dreams and creating a sustainable and promising path forward.

Heidi

Meet Heidi, a remarkable individual who joined We The People Opportunity Farm (WTPOF) with a heartfelt mission – to reclaim her life and rebuild her connection with her children. For Heidi, WTPOF is more than just a place; it’s her sanctuary, her source of renewal, and her stepping stone toward achieving her aspirations.

Throughout her journey in our program, Heidi encountered unexpected obstacles, but her unwavering determination, coupled with the unwavering support of our community, enabled her to surmount each challenge. It was at our farm that she discovered not only solace but also the strength to forge ahead.

Heidi’s transformation goes beyond personal growth. Through the connections she cultivated here, she has become an active advocate for the reintegration of returning citizens into society, engaging in meaningful state-level activism. Currently, she is diligently pursuing sustainable employment, bolstered by the invaluable support of our dedicated community partners.

Heidi’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, community, and second chances. We are proud to have her as a part of the WTPOF family, embodying the spirit of positive change and endless possibilities.

Mikey

Meet Mikey, a remarkable individual whose compassionate heart beats for the housing insecure community and a deep-seated commitment to serving others. With an unwavering passion for nature, Mikey discovered solace and purpose in the outdoor work at We The People Opportunity Farm (WTPOF).

Mikey’s experience in our internship program was characterized by a profound sense of gratitude. He found here the same respect and care that he wholeheartedly extends to others in his life.

Beyond his time at the farm, Mikey remains an active and devoted member of our community, advocating passionately for organizations dedicated to assisting low-income and houseless individuals in Washtenaw County. His dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of those less fortunate is truly inspiring, and we are proud to have Mikey as a part of the WTPOF family.

Stephanale

Introducing Stephanale, a vibrant addition to the We The People Opportunity Farm (WTPOF) family, whose time at the farm was characterized by his infectious sense of humor and a playful spirit that lifted the spirits of all those around him.

Having encountered the criminal justice system for an extended period, Stephanale’s journey has been one of resilience and unwavering determination to embark on a fresh start. Although he joined our program later on, he wasted no time in becoming an active and diligent participant, wholeheartedly embracing the opportunities that came his way.

Remarkably, Stephanale managed to maintain a second job alongside his internship, showcasing his remarkable work ethic and dedication to his goals. As he continues his path towards sustainable employment, he is fortified by the steadfast support of our community partners.

Stephanale’s story serves as a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for growth and renewal, and we are privileged to have him as part of the WTPOF community, inspiring us all with his resilience and determination.

Korey

Introducing Korey, a true free spirit whose heart beats with a profound passion for social justice, music, and spirituality. From the very beginning, Korey embraced the mission of We The People Opportunity Farm (WTPOF) with unwavering enthusiasm, brimming with innovative ideas to expand our reach and impact.

Korey’s journey has been marked by the triumph over numerous obstacles and traumas that life has thrown his way. Today, he stands as a shining example of resilience and determination. In addition to his involvement with WTPOF, Korey is actively working on developing his own non-profit organization, centered on addressing men’s mental health—a cause close to his heart.

Beyond his nonprofit endeavors, Korey’s passion for music and spirituality has led him to travel across the United States, where he plays an integral role in organizing music festivals and creating healing spaces for others. Korey’s multifaceted dedication to positive change and well-being is both inspiring and transformative, and we are honored to have him as a part of the WTPOF community.

2022

Donte

When Donte first came to We The People Opportunity Farm, he was looking for someone to take a chance on him. As a formerly incarcerated citizens, it’s often hard to find consistent employment that pays a fair wage. He wanted to have a fresh start.

As the weeks past, Donte made friends, smiled more, and soon became a one of our star interns. He began to trust that we were truly invested in his success and that he could rely on WTPOF for not only a steady paycheck, but for guidance and direction in securing permanent employment, training and further education to advance his personal and professional goals.

Kevin

Kevin came to the WTPOF Internship program determined to create a new start for himself and get his life back on track. And boy, did he bring amazing energy and spirit to this year’s cohort of interns.

Kevin appreciated that he was able to learn from his mistakes in ways he would not have been able to with another employer. Kevin also enjoyed participating in other aspects of our programming which include job training & search through MIWorks!, helping out with a Habitat for Humanity of HuronValley home remodel project, as well as learning financial literacy through Liberty Financial Services. Kevin is now pursuing meaningful work in our community and visits us at WTPOF often.

John

John had taken an early interest in farming and agriculture in his life, but somewhere along the way, he took a wrong turn. Fortunately for John and for us, all roads led him back to his love for agriculture. He became the Warden’s gardner during his time in the prison system. Once released, he found his way to We The People Opportunity Farm!

He enjoys being an intern because he “likes to laugh and enjoy life” and “working with good people” He enjoys hard work and working with his hands, and is a natural leader on the farm. His goals are to find full-time employment he enjoys and to gain financial independence.

Sam

Sam was introduced to We The People Opportunity Farm through A Brighter Way, a non-profit that helps formerly incarcerated people find stable housing. He was determined to also find stable work that would allow him to change the trajectory of his life, and that is where WTPOF has stepped in.

While Sam has graduated from the WTPOF Paid Internship Program and he has made great progress in successfully reintegrating into our community with new skills and resources to meet his goals, your support is key to ensuring that formerly incarcerated men and women continue to get the support they need to reduce the rate of recidivism.

2021

LaWanda

LaWanda was incarcerated for 34 years of her life. At 17 she went from living in her parent’s home, to prison. At 51, from living in prison to living on her own. She’s “learning to be an adult in a world she’s never been in”. Her goal is to simply move forward in life among people without feeling awkward, and to gain full time employment and stable housing. She enjoys being an intern at WTPOF because “it pays well, and offers me other needed, necessary resources”. She enjoys being at the farm and was recently inspired to start a small raised garden bed at her apartment. Some of her hobbies are that she’s a great “invention” cook and one of the best roller skaters she knows. LaWanda recently won the $400 runner up prize for presenting at Pitch@WCC with plans to open a food truck called, “The Chow Hall”. She is also one of the first participants to be selected for the EMU Returning Citizens Fellow Program and will begin taking classes this summer.

Logene

Logene has spent about 25 years of his life incarcerated, which has made it difficult to find stable employment and housing. Since being in our program Logene has found stable housing; he has gone from living in a motel to recently being handed the keys to his own place that he rents. He has also gone from catching the bus to buying a reliable vehicle.

Pony

Valaxquarez was incarcerated on and off for a total of 30 years throughout his life. He was able to join our program for two months in 2020, and has returned to us for the full program this year. He has an exceptional work ethic, and enjoys working hard and taking care of the plants at the farm. He is currently studying for his Driver’s License with the goal of purchasing a moped. He enjoys learning new things and riding his bike.

2020

Abdu

Abdu has a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to his work. He came to WTPOF and immediately gravitated towards the “who-can-find-the-longest-root” weeding game and the nuanced art of placing the sprinkler so it just managed to hit all the edges of the beds designated to be watered. Abdu recognized from the get go that this place is a community – beyond a piece of land that grows physical sustenance, he knew that we are working to cultivate spiritual and emotional sustenance. Often Abdu would swing by the farm in the evening to soak up the last of the sun and enjoy a moment of peace.

Malachi

Malachi came to WTPOF with a strong foundation – work ethic, clarity of purpose and a willingness to learn all firmly established. He was always a pleasure to have, bringing to each day thought-provoking conversation and a no-nonsense approach to completing the tasks at hand. His desire to learn about the growing of food and his investment in gaining skills in self-sustainability were evident and contagious. Malachi was a grounding and inspiring force to have out at WTPOF.

Marquis

Marquis was a pleasure to work with. Even-keeled, steady and dependable, he was on a mission to make every day count. Marquis arrived on time and treated every day with the same measured approach. He also was a great example of goal setting as well as the nuanced understanding of oneself that is needed to power through longer days – he always had music playing as he harvested. Marquis was a very hard worker and it was always nice when we had a quieter moment on the farm to sit, chat and share a few laughs.

Pony

It was beyond inspiring to watch Mr. Bush evolve and become an integral part of the We The People Opportunity Farm community. He was very forthright about his lack of experience in the arena of farming but, in remarkably short time, became an incredibly valuable part of our crew. Mr. Bush flourishes upon a foundation of consistency. His meditative approach to the work made him an ideal candidate for jobs that require consistent, detailed focus from start to finish. His steady and dependable approach to work was something we all learned from but, while we did not get to see it too often, his wide grin was his most contagious quality!

Ahmad

Ahmad came to us already a shining example of the attitude that is at the core of our internship program: an attitude of kindness, respect and dignity. He arrived at We The People Opportunity Farm and was immediately team-oriented with everyone he encountered. He carried himself with an abundance of curiosity, gentle humility and a palpable desire to learn. Ahmad was incredibly capable and would quickly take on any task handed to him, going above and beyond by asking follow-up questions to guarantee that each task was done well. Ahmad’s commitment to personal growth, unfaltering work ethic and open mind made him a powerful force of positivity and inspiration.