Women's Bean Project changes women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
Women's Bean Project changes women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
When a woman comes to the Bean Project, she spends 70% of her paid time working in the business and 30% of her paid time goes to what we call the “You” job – working on yourself. The combination of those two things teaches her to stand tall, find her purpose, and break the cycle of poverty.
Nearly every woman we hire has kids, but she might not have custody due to incarceration or addiction. During the time she’s with us, she’s often trying to reestablish relationships with her kids, and there’s something super powerful about watching your mom go to work and feel good about herself. That impact, that ripple effect, is going to affect those kids forever.
Women's Bean Project changes women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
Women's Bean Project changes women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
These women stand tall knowing that the food on the table came from their own paychecks. The dignity that comes from employment can’t be found any other way.
Women's Bean Project changes women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
Women's Bean Project changes women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
If you have the opportunity in your lifetime to witness the kind of transformation that we get to see here even once, I think you’re super lucky.
Women's Bean Project changes women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
Women's Bean Project changes women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
If it weren’t for Women’s Bean Project, I wouldn’t be growing as a person like I am now. I’m content here, I’m happy. I’ve never really liked a job the way I like this job.
Women's Bean Project changes women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
Women's Bean Project changes women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
It always feels good to be acknowledged. When you know you’re working hard, for people to notice that, it’s satisfying. I know I make a difference here.
Women's Bean Project changes women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
Women's Bean Project changes women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
We have all these different classes like math, language arts, and financial literacy. My favorite is financial literacy. As a recovering addict, I never knew how to live a normal life, so I learned stuff like how to open a bank account, keep a budget, and do my taxes. I’ve never really had to do that because I’ve always obtained my money illegally, but now I’m doing the right thing.
Women's Bean Project changes women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
Women's Bean Project changes women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
I live at a place for alcohol and drug treatment, and I was at the stage of the program where it was time to seek employment. I have felonies, so I can’t get a job at a normal place. I applied and interviewed at Women’s Bean Project, and they gave me the job. I’m a really fast learner and I take initiative, so after a few months, I’m already a Lead. I’ve started believing in myself. I didn’t think I was capable before I started working here.
Women's Bean Project changes women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
Women's Bean Project changes women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
I didn’t feel like I had much to offer coming from 4 years in prison, but I filled out the application. The people here were willing to help me and meet me where I was. I feel like I’ve come a long way, and I see the difference when I look in the mirror every day.
Women's Bean Project changes women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
Women's Bean Project changes women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
Women's Bean Project changes women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
Women's Bean Project changes women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
It was difficult getting out of the house, getting a job and figuring out where my life was headed. What really appealed to me was that Women’s Bean Project focuses on empowering women to become independent and to find their own path in life. They empower our families too, which is important to me because I have five children.
Women's Bean Project changes women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
Women's Bean Project changes women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
I wish I had known there were other women who had similar issues who could really understand what I’ve been through. The women here support each other. We make plans and go out and get pedicures and just do things together in a positive way. I’ve never really had that in my life. Doing different things so we get different results.
Women's Bean Project changes women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
Women's Bean Project changes women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
The programming is a really important part of what we do. These women are able to explore how their criminal history may impact their future opportunities. They learn to talk about that and to be proactive in making better choices.
Women's Bean Project changes women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
Women's Bean Project changes women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
Helping women become self-sufficient isn’t just financial. It’s about mental and emotional self-sufficiency and learning their intrinsic value. It’s an amazing feeling to watch someone who walked into the room withdrawn and reserved to leave with their head up, knowing what they can do and who they are because they were authentically seen.
Women's Bean Project changes women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
Women's Bean Project changes women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
Being here gets me out of the halfway house, and now that I’m working, I get to see my new little baby more often.
Women's Bean Project changes women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
Women's Bean Project changes women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
Without Women’s Bean Project, I would be stuck. Now, I’m more accountable and responsible for my own actions. I like being responsible. It’s helps to have a place where I’m expected to be on time and ready to work.
Women's Bean Project changes women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
Women's Bean Project changes women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
I’m here to hold up a mirror for these women so they can see themselves and the strength and resilience they’ve always had. In my own story, I’ve experienced trauma and loss, and I know that with the right support and community, you can find ways to move forward.
Women's Bean Project changes women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
Women's Bean Project changes women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.
