To change women's lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
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To change women's lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
Since 1989 we have been helping women break the cycle of chronic unemployment and poverty.
We are a nonprofit social enterprise that teaches job readiness and life skills for entry-level jobs through employment in our gourmet food jewelry manufacturing businesses. Women come with the goal of transforming their lives and moving toward self sufficiency.
Women's Bean Project was founded in 1989 as a means to provide a safe and accepting work environment to women struggling with chronic unemployment and poverty. With an initial $500 investment in beans, two homeless women were put to work - the first step in building the social enterprise we are today. With the growth of our businesses, our training opportunities have expanded dramatically over the years, and annual product sales have grown from $6,100 to over $1.5 million. Our total operating budget is $2.2 million. Approximately 60% of our operating expenses comes from the sale of our products, supporting the business operations as well as the wages for the women while they are working. We fundraise 40% of our budget, which covers program activities, such as computer classes, life-coaching, an intensive 1on1 job-coach program and other life skill building activities that are essential to each graduate's long term success.
"The Women's Bean Project helped me prepare for my GED, learn how to interview, and opened doors to a better life for me and my family." Alejandra 2019 Graduate
"I have gained hope for my future and an education for other areas in my life because people at the Bean believed in me until I could believe in myself-they gave me a chance when I wouldn't even give myself a chance." Michelle 2019 Graduate
"My life is different today because the Bean helped me with hope, strength and wisdom. These are things I never thought I could have in my life." Yvonne 2019 Graduate
"I like the feeling of accomplishing goals set for each day. I feel so positive and calm now. I know my future is bright!" Barbara 2019 Graduate
