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When Erik Dyson left the nonprofit world to start his own business, he wanted to continue his social commitment. That’s why his mattress recycling company HandUp donates 60% of its profits to help people who have just arrived in the country.
Not only that, Dyson’s 22 workers are mostly migrants themselves, from El Salvador, Guatemala and Chile, among other countries.
“We have workers from nine different countries,” said Dyson.
The company’s social contribution is channeled through the nonprofit organization HandUp Community Impact, which is directed by Debbi Dyson, Erik’s wife. She explains that the needs of people who have recently arrived in the country are immense.
“For example, some may need help finding lawyers for their immigration process or scheduling doctor appointments,” she said. “Similarly, others may be interested in learning English, but face waiting lists for classes. To support them, we offer one-on-one practice conversations.”
“I am excited about this company, because it generates resources and serves as a valuable hub for nonprofit organizations,” Erik Dyson said. “It is more satisfying for me to use my energy to establish and grow a business and invest in the community.”
Email Gerardo Beltrán Salinas at gerardo@newbedfordlight.org
In addition to Erik and Debbi’s for-profit and nonprofit organizations’ good deeds, they also devote much of their personal efforts toward helping our newest neighbors. After the fall of Kabul, they sponsored an Afghan family, collaborated with volunteer groups to help other families and were the first business owners to offer employment opportunities for the Afghan men.