VACATION
As summer drew to a close, the individuals served by MARF enjoyed staying at an ocean front condominium at Folly Beach. For two weeks in September, small groups from MARF travelled to the beach and partook in many of the activities the Charleston area has to offer. Although each person’s vacation experience was different, persons served enjoyed relaxing on the beach, dining at local restaurants, visiting Magnolia Plantation, and taking a carriage ride through downtown Charleston. The residents are looking forward to planning their vacation for next year.
LIVING WAGE CERTIFICATION
MARF is proud to announce that we have been Living Wage Certified by Just Economics, a local non-profit organization that advocates for fair wages in Western North Carolina. Just Economics defines a living wage as the amount a single individual must earn hourly to afford their basic necessities, without public or private assistance. A living wage takes into account what it costs to afford housing, healthcare, food, and transportation in Western North Carolina more realistically than the minimum wage does. To become Living Wage Certified through Just Economics, employers must pay their full-time employees at least $11.00 per hour with the option of health insurance, or $12.50 per hour without the option of health insurance. Other factors may offset this hourly wage, such as tips, or providing employees with housing, food, or transportation. Just Economics provides all Living Wage Certified employers with marketing tools, networking opportunities, and educational workshops as a way to thank employers for advancing their mission to educate, advocate, and organize for a just and sustainable local economy that works for all in Western North Carolina. For more information on Just Economics or their Living Wage Employer Certification Program, visit www.justeconomicswnc.org.
