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Worker-Owned Co-Ops Blaze A Trail Out Of Poverty

A pioneering initiative here in Cleveland is working to break the cycle of poverty and build wealth in neighborhoods that have seen little of it. 

Operating under the umbrella of Evergreen Cooperatives, a greenhouse and a laundry operation are changing the lives of their worker-owners. 

Yes, the employees 'own' shares of the business.

But the success of this unusual model is all contingent on these businesses turning a profit. 

Ideastream's Darrielle Snipes takes us out to these companies --- one enterprise where the employees are seeing the benefits of their hard work and the other where the workers are still hoping their bottom line will become as healthy as their produce. 

Gabriel Kramer is a reporter/producer and the host of “NewsDepth,” Ideastream Public Media's news show for kids.