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, lifecoaching, an intensive 1on1 mentorship program and other life skill building activities that are essential to each graduate's long term success.
"I asked for a job, but Women's Bean Project gave me much more than that. The variety of programs and classes gave me the opportunity to get back on my feet. I have gained self-esteem and hope for my future. My goal right now is to return to school and pursue a degree in criminal justice." Trudy 2018 Graduate
"I'm so thankful this year to have my own place and to be surrounded by my family, including my new grandbaby. I'm so glad I'm at Women's Bean Project where there is a lot of support and a lot of love." Lori 2018 Graduate
"My life is different today because Women's Bean Project has helped me gain confidence in my communication. The mock interviews and conflict classes helped me because I would normally not speak up right away, and now instead of holding things in, I share it right away. I feel confident and know how to show that I believe in myself." Haben 2018 Graduate
"Women's Bean Project taught me so many new skills like budgeting, organizing, and customer service. All the skills I learned and support I received from the staff and the women helped me tremendously." Andriea 2018 Graduate
