Rhino Foods Foundation

?? Credit Card Debt Hits Record Levels—What’s Driving the Surge? The accessibility of credit cards and the cultural shift from cash to credit have made borrowing easier than ever. While this convenience has benefits, the latest numbers tell a troubling story: ?? Credit card debt has hit a record $1.21 trillion ?? Credit card debt has increased by 8.2% in January ?? Credit card debt has increased by almost 160% in 4 years. ?? Nearly half of credit card users are carrying a balance With the cost of living rising and wages struggling to keep up, many workers are turning to credit cards to manage everyday expenses. But the real issue? High interest rates often go unnoticed when opening a card. The average credit card interest rate (according to Forbes Advisor’s weekly credit card rates report) is now 28.72%, making it harder to break free from debt. ?? There’s a better way. Programs like Income Advance offer a safe alternative—helping workers access emergency funds with lower costs and a clear path to repayment. For example, borrowing $1,000 through an Income Advance program over 12 months results in total interest payments of just $75–$100 —a fraction of what a credit card, payday loan, or overdraft would cost. By comparison, a $1,000 credit card balance paid over 12 months, would result in ~$135–$165 in total interest. This difference adds up, making it harder for people to get ahead financially. ?? Learn more about how Income Advance compares to credit cards, personal loans, earned wage access, payday lending, and other common lending options in our blog: https://lnkd.in/eBHyGm47 ?? Short-term financial solutions shouldn’t come at the cost of long-term financial health! Reach out to learn more about how we can work together to better support our communities. #FinancialWellness #AlternativeLending #IncomeAdvance #EmployeeFinancialWellbeing

As Black History Month concludes, it's crucial to recognize that our commitment to equity and justice must persist beyond February. This year's ASALH theme, "African Americans and Labor," marks 100 years since the first Black-led union received its AFL charter. While labor history often centers white activists, Black organizers developed powerful strategies for advancing both worker and civil rights, creating lasting positive change for all American workers. Throughout February, we've highlighted eight remarkable Black leaders who challenged racism within the labor movement while fighting for workplace dignity and justice. Today, we honor: Velma Hopkins (1915-2006) ?? Leading the 1943 R.J. Reynolds Tobacco strike, Velma Hopkins organized thousands of Black women workers in one of the largest civil rights strikes in the South. While mainstream labor history often focuses on white male industrial workers, Hopkins showed how Black women workers fought simultaneously against racial, gender, and economic exploitation. Coalition of Labor Union Women (Founded 1974): ?? Black women leaders were instrumental in founding CLUW, recognizing that neither white-led women's groups nor male-dominated civil rights organizations fully addressed their needs. Their intersectional approach to organizing challenged both racial and gender hierarchies in the labor movement, creating new paths for women of color in union leadership. While reflecting on these historical achievements, we must also address ongoing disparities: ?? Black workers continue to face a 21% median wage gap compared to white workers—a gap that has widened since 1979. ?? Hiring discrimination remains pervasive; resumes with names typically associated with Black Americans receive 50% fewer callbacks than those with white-associated names. ?? The unemployment level of Black Americans is almost twice that of White Americans. To combat these systemic issues, innovative practices are essential. Our recent blog delves deeper into these topics and offers actionable strategies to foster workplace equity - https://lnkd.in/eaKarJuV

??Throughout February, we're highlighting eight Black leaders who challenged racism within the labor movement while fighting for workplace dignity and justice. Next up #5 & #6: Lucy Parsons (1851-1942) #BlackHistoryMonth #LaborRights ?? Though often overlooked in favor of white anarchist organizers, Lucy Parsons cofounded the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), championing interracial labor solidarity when most unions excluded Black workers. Her radical vision of worker justice and her powerful organizing against child labor and for the 8-hour workday challenged both racial and economic oppression. Benjamin Fletcher (1890-1949) #BlackHistoryMonth #WorkersRights ?? When most unions enforced racial segregation, Ben Fletcher built Philadelphia's interracial longshoremen's union. Despite imprisonment for his union activities during the Red Scare, Fletcher proved integrated unions could succeed even under Jim Crow. His story challenges the myth that racial divisions in labor were inevitable or worker-driven rather than imposed from above. Black History Month 2025 highlights how Black Americans transformed labor rights while facing both workplace exploitation and union discrimination. This year's ASALH theme, "African Americans and Labor," marks 100 years since the first Black-led union received its AFL charter. While labor history often centers white activists, Black organizers developed powerful strategies for advancing both worker and civil rights, creating lasting positive change for all American workers.

?? Throughout February, we're highlighting eight Black leaders who challenged racism within the labor movement while fighting for workplace dignity and justice. Next up #3 & #4: Addie Wyatt (1924-2012) #BlackHistoryMonth #LaborHistory ?? In an era when most unions were led by white men, Addie Wyatt broke barriers as the first Black woman to lead a local union. Rising from the packinghouse floor despite both racial and gender discrimination, she fought for equal pay and workplace safety while building bridges between the labor and civil rights movements. Her leadership challenged the white male dominance of union leadership and opened doors for women of color. Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (Founded 1972) #BlackHistoryMonth #OrganizedLabor ?? Formed in response to the AFL-CIO's failure to endorse the 1972 Black political convention, CBTU demanded representation in a movement that often sidelined Black voices. Their advocacy for affirmative action in unions and protection against plant closures in Black communities showed how labor rights and racial justice are inseparable, challenging the white-centric narrative of organized labor. Black History Month 2025 highlights how Black Americans transformed labor rights while facing both workplace exploitation and union discrimination. This year's ASALH theme, "African Americans and Labor," marks 100 years since the first Black-led union received its AFL charter. While labor history often centers white activists, Black organizers developed powerful strategies for advancing both worker and civil rights, creating lasting positive change for all American workers.

Black History Month 2025 highlights how Black Americans transformed labor rights while facing both workplace exploitation and union discrimination. This year's ASALH theme, "African Americans and Labor," marks 100 years since the first Black-led union received its AFL charter. While labor history often centers white activists, Black organizers developed powerful strategies for advancing both worker and civil rights, creating lasting positive change for all American workers. ?? Throughout February, we're highlighting eight Black leaders who challenged racism within the labor movement while fighting for workplace dignity and justice. A. Philip Randolph (1889-1979) #BlackHistoryMonth #LaborRights ?? While white labor leaders often excluded Black workers, A. Philip Randolph built the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters in 1925, becoming the first Black-led union chartered by AFL. Despite threats and opposition from both employers and white unions, Randolph's organizing forced President Roosevelt to ban discrimination in defense industries and later shaped the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. His work demonstrates how Black labor organizing advanced both worker and civil rights, despite being historically overshadowed by white labor figures. Dorothy Lee Bolden (1924-2005) #BlackHistoryMonth #WorkersRights ?? The exploitation of Black domestic workers was a direct continuation of slavery's legacy. Dorothy Lee Bolden confronted this by founding the National Domestic Workers Union in 1968. Starting as a domestic worker at age 12, Bolden organized over 10,000 workers, fought for Social Security inclusion, and established training programs. Her organizing methods, combining civil rights with labor rights, created a model for modern domestic worker organizing that continues today.

Black History Month 2025 takes on special significance as we examine the profound impact of Black Americans on labor rights and working conditions in America. ASALH: Association for the Study of African American Life and History, founded by Carter G. Woodson in 1915, has selected "African Americans and Labor" as this year's theme, marking the centennial of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids - the first Black union chartered by the AFL. American labor history, as commonly taught, often centers white activists like Eugene Debs, Mother Jones, and Samuel Gompers while minimizing or erasing the crucial role of Black organizers who fought not only for worker rights but against racial oppression within the labor movement itself. This whitewashing serves to separate labor struggles from racial justice, allowing many white Americans to embrace labor history without confronting the movement's complex relationship with race and racism. The story of Black labor in America is fundamentally one of resistance - resistance against slavery, against Jim Crow, against discrimination in unions, and against ongoing workplace inequities. Black workers consistently organized for dignity and fair treatment while facing both racist opposition from employers and often exclusion or hostility from white labor organizations. Yet despite these dual barriers, Black labor leaders developed innovative organizing strategies that transformed working conditions for all Americans - from workplace safety standards to minimum wage laws to anti-discrimination protections. Throughout February, we'll be highlighting influential Black leaders and organizations whose unwavering commitment to workplace justice helped shape American labor rights. Their stories remind us that the fight for worker dignity has always been intertwined with the struggle for racial equality, even when that history has been obscured or denied. At Rhino Foods Foundation, we recognize that economic justice and worker empowerment are fundamental to building a more equitable society. The achievements and ongoing work of Black labor leaders align directly with our mission to create positive workplace change and economic opportunity for all workers. #BlackHistoryMonth

When it comes to expanding the Income Advance Program, identifying lenders who truly believe in the mission is vital—they serve as the cornerstone of success. Once a committed lending partner is in place, scaling the program within communities becomes more seamless, driving deeper impact and broader reach. We’re thrilled to see this in action in the Bronx and Brooklyn through Spring Bank NY and their Employee Opportunity Loan Program. Like Income Advance, program fills a critical gap in financial stability by offering employees fast, affordable access to safe emergency loans through their employer, relying on stable employment—not traditional credit history—as the key qualification. Through payroll-deducted repayments, employees not only address urgent financial needs but also build credit scores, lower financial stress, strengthen financial wellness, and establish crucial banking relationships. This program help dismantle systemic barriers that often exclude individuals from traditional financial services and opportunities for long-term asset building. Spring Bank’s success mirrors what we see with many of our lending partners: a powerful partnership with local employers creates meaningful change for employees. Their work with The Floating Hospital is a great example of how collaboration between financial institutions and employers can transform workforce well-being. Check out this article to learn more: https://lnkd.in/e-8zTRnx If you're a lending institution considering a similar initiative, let us know! The Rhino Foods Foundation is here to support you in developing and scaling programs that create real financial wellness for employees and communities.

Recently, our Board President and Rhino Foods Founder, Ted Castle, was featured in Craft to Crumb magazine’s December issue, sharing the importance and transformative impact of Open Employment. At Rhino Foods, Inc. Open Employment has been a game-changer—not only for our business but also for individuals in Vermont who face barriers to employment. It’s a model that creates opportunity, builds resilience, and strengthens communities. A special thank you to Mari Rydings for highlighting our journey and the power of Open Employment in this fantastic article. ?? Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/exKRxwZh ?? Interested in learning more about Open Employment and how it could benefit your organization? Visit our website to explore more (https://lnkd.in/enb6M5gW) We’d love to connect, share what’s worked for us, and support you in bringing Open Employment to your company!

Join our founder, Ted Castle on December 18th, as WorkRise hosts a virtual conversation exploring how US manufacturers are reimagining collaborating with workers and job design to increase business longevity and competitiveness while building a resilient industry. Through worker input in business decisions, new employee supports, flexible work arrangements, employee ownership models, and much more, businesses can create consistent business longevity and design sustainable, high-quality jobs. Register Today! #JobDesign #Manufacturing #WorkforceDevelopment #FlexibleScheduling #LiveatUrban

As #GivingTuesday continues, we want to take a moment to thank VermontBiz Magazine and M&T Bank for including us in their 2024-2025 Vermont Giving Guide! This guide is an excellent resource for those looking to support local nonprofits driving impact in Vermont, and we’re honored to be featured alongside so many incredible organizations. ?? Check out the full guide here: https://lnkd.in/e_fgY85J Today, we invite you to join us in making a difference. Every donation fuels our efforts to scale, forge new partnerships, and drive workforce impact. With your support, we can continue this journey—empowering more businesses to champion their employees and strengthen their communities. ?? Donate today to help us create lasting impact: https://lnkd.in/eWdz6f6Y Together, we can build a stronger, more stable workforce—one step at a time.