This month we are thrilled to shine the spotlight on Member Owner Denise Holmes (MO #1465). From the moment Denise walked in the door for a site tour she has been a vibrant voice promoting the Electric City Community Grocery!  

Within weeks of joining the co-op and the Member Relations team, Denise had connected us with a wellness outreach event just blocks from our future store, and since then she has been getting our promotional bookmarks into local businesses around downtown. Denise likes to have FUN, especially fun with a purpose - she connects with people easily and shares her light. She's become an integral, enthusiastic and loving member of our Member Relations team - looking out for her teammates and making her help look effortless. 

Denise comes to the co-op with a depth of experience in food systems (including working at Whole Foods), health advocacy, and direct care for others.  She was part of an organization called SEAH, which stands for Senior Engagement at Home. She went to Senior buildings and played games and was made the Director of Outreach.  She would go into the community and scheduled the places they went. Denise has also been a member of NEW DAY CHRISTIAN EMPOWERMENT CENTER since 2015 where she is head of Sunday School. Her Pastors are Marc and Amanda Thompson.

We are so grateful for the time, energy, ideas and enthusiasm she brings to our Member Relations team!  Let's hear more from Denise in her own words!

What do you like about being part of the co-op community? 

So I am Denise Holmes. I joined ECCG in April when I became Member Owner #1465. I came to Schenectady 35 years ago for recovery from Drugs and Alcohol. When I arrived they told me the meaning of Schenectady was “the last trail,” but for me Schenectady meant the beginning of a new life.

I love being part of the coop community because it’s like having another family that loves healthy food.

What will having a downtown grocery mean to you?

Having a grocery store downtown means not having to drive to the next town for my food. I can walk to the coop and not have to drive, it’s 3 blocks from my home. 

What do you love about Schenectady?

I love Schenectady because it gave me a second chance at life and I love it here, and I am not leaving. This is home.