A Napa County winery is working to help mothers who’ve been laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic.
ONEHOPE has been helping people in need since its founding, so when the coronavirus hit, they jumped into action even though they took a financial hit themselves.
"It’s kind of been part of our DNA since we started the company," said ONEHOPE Founder and CEO Jake Kloberdanz. "Parts of our business have definitely struggled, but we have been really resilient and innovative."
Their current mission is to help mothers who’ve been laid off from the hospitality industry, giving grants to those who need it most.
Kloberdanz told KCBS Radio it just made sense.
"That’s where we built our brand initially. We have this close connection as a wine brand with hotels, restaurants and the hospitality industry in general,” Kloberdanz explained.
Jennifer Liebsack of Napa is one of their grant recipients. She lost her job in the hotel business a few weeks ago.
"It was just kind of gut wrenching," Liebsack said. "Everything is so uncertain that we don’t know when we’ll be able to come back."
ONEHOPE gave her a $50 wine credit and $50 cash. Liebsack is using the money towards the company’s entrepreneurship program where she now makes money hosting virtual wine tastings.
"It may not change somebody’s month, but it might make someone’s day and give them a little bit of hope," Kloberdanz said.
The business has already given grants to more than 500 people.
If you know someone who is working to keep us safe during the COVID-19 crisis and would like to nominate them as a KCBS Radio Difference Maker, email us at differencemakers@kcbsradio.com.