Women's Bean Project

"At the Bean Project, I learned real skills to take with me to the next job. I had a team who really cares and who invests in me, and a staff who believes in me. It gave me confidence, knowing that I'm hirable and have a great work ethic. It did a lot for me inside and outside." - Luz, WBP Graduate

Women's Bean Project provides job training and employment to women facing significant barriers to work, selling high-quality food products made by these women to support their mission.

We hire women into our Transitional Employment Program for eight to ten months, after which they move into an entry-level, career-building job. Participants gain hands-on work experience in our food manufacturing business, engage in a robust series of classes, and earn full-time wages. With individualized support from case managers and access to wrap-around resources, women strengthen their confidence, expand their skills, and work towards economic independence.

Who we serve

Each year, we hire 40 – 60 women who are ready to transform their lives. All women in our program have faced one or more systemic barriers to the employment, including justice involvement, safety at home, food insecurity, housing instability, childcare, and more. Many of these barriers disproportionately impact women. All women we serve have experienced trauma; the average Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) score for women in our program is 5.83, compared to a U.S. average of only 1.6. In addition, 72% are experiencing unstable housing, 43% do not have a high school degree or GED, and over 70% identify as women of color.

How you can help

Your support fuels opportunities for women to thrive. Contributions fund essential program activities such as financial literacy and budgeting workshops, GED and adult literacy classes, weekly case management, an intensive 1on1 job-coach program, partnerships with organizations like Dress for Success and WeeCycle, and other life skill building activities that are essential to each woman’s success. When you give, you invest in women who are working hard to strengthen their skills, build confidence, and step into meaningful careers. Like you, we believe every woman has the power to transform her life through employment. Your gift supports each woman on her journey to personal and economic self-sufficiency.  

From our graduates:

I'm thankful to say that I was a part of Women's Bean Project. For all they did to impact my life, to help me, and that I will use to help others as I go into my new job. - Mandy

Being at the Bean gives me a sense of security and peace. It's not just a job to me - it's my community. - Kayla

Being here has shown me that I can be a positive role model not only for my children but for my peers as well. - Crystal