FROM THE CEO
Happy 2024!
We are once again in the Year of the Dragon. Within the Chinese zodiac, which features 12 animals, the dragon is the only mythological one, making it the most potent and desired zodiac symbol. When the Year of the Dragon arrives, birth rates in China tend to boom because many parents believe children born in that year will be destined for success.
Since the Dragon symbolizes power, strength, good luck, and wisdom, I’d like to think the introduction of our latest strategic plan this year is auspicious. In our plan we have set an overarching goal to Impact 2,000 Lives By 2027.
We believe when you change a woman’s life you change her family’s life, though we have not historically tracked the additional impact beyond each woman we hire. We intend to change that in the coming years to acknowledge and celebrate the extended reach of each woman affected by our program services and women’s employment at WBP.
We will consider what “impacting” a life looks like, understanding that there will be high touch opportunities that are also higher cost and potentially higher impact. There will also be low touch opportunities that will be lower in cost and impact, but still valuable. These criteria, along with the potential to generate revenue for WBP, will be considered as we explore new opportunities for impact and touching more lives.
We will continue to keep you apprised of our progress made toward this big goal as we create the future of Women’s Bean Project.
We look forward to having you join us on this journey.
Warmly,
DREAMING OF GARDEN PARTIES...
THE SPRING SUBSCRIPTION BOX DROP
On February 20, our second ever WBP Seasonal Subscription Box ships out to inboxes across the country. This box is themed all around the promise of spring, with delicious baking mixes and refreshments for a festive garden party. It also includes collectible stickers featuring artwork from participants and staff based on a simple prompt: What does WBP mean to you?
his program has provided an additional $12,000 to transferrable job skills training and livable wages for women creating lasting change in their lives. THANK YOU for your support in this new endeavor!
While ordering is closed for spring, we're already taking orders for the summer box. Sign up now to never miss another drop!
A SNOWGLOBE SUCCESS
2023 HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Women's Bean Project was transformed into a delightful winter wonderland for the Holiday Open House thanks to Office Administrator Diesha and her team of dedicated decorating volunteers. We also debuted our first ever customization station, where customers built their own custom giftboxes full of Women's Bean Project products and other special treats.
Speaking of special treats: guests were treated to live music from talented volunteers Margaret Schutz and Libby Elder, including a custom rendition of "The 12 Days of Christmas" featuring Women's Bean Project products. Our products were also center stage in the appetizers, refreshments, and entree samples. Recipe cards for each dish made it extra easy to bring the magic home. Thank you for attending!
A SPECIAL THANK YOU
KAREN LEUSCHELL, WBP VOLUNTEER
Karen was introduced to WBP in 2017 by Luanne Hill, Director of Development. Karen is a retired school administrator with a talent for cooking. She started helping at WBP with events, the busy season in production, and the Goal Setting class in programming.
The Bean would not have been able to pull off the 2023 Holiday Open House without her. Karen volunteered thirty-two hours over four days to bake sweets, make soups, and mix up veggie dips and finger foods. She and her friend Rhonda Clark made lunch for the participants as well. Karen says that she enjoys volunteering at the Bean because she loves the interactions between program participants in the Hub: "As a retired school administrator, it affords some good interaction opportunities to encourage them to reach for their dreams. It is also a good opportunity for participants to see a volunteer in action who is only doing it to support the organization. I think you receive a lot more when you give."
Karen would like to share one of her favorite quotes from Mr. Rogers with the Bean Community: "I hope you're proud of yourself for the times you said, 'Yes.' When all it meant was extra work for you and was seemingly helpful only to someone else."
WINNING IN WINTER
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NOVEMBER AND JANUARY GRADS
I get to have my grandsons back. My family back. I will always be grateful." - Christina, November 2023 Graduate
I have been at the bean for almost six months and in this short period of time I can honestly say that I have felt a weight being lifted off my shoulders and I can finally breathe again." - Brittany, November 2023 Graduate
I just want to say that this place has made me grow, I gained more confidence and... I just want to say thank you guys for giving me this opportunity." - Ashley, January 2024 Graduate
By my coming here, you've brought out more of the woman that I can be and expanded my opportunities. I believe whatever I face in my life I can accomplish and things are gonna work out." - Chalice, January 2024 Graduate
"Every day, I feel more confident about myself. I'm sad about graduating but in that same breathe I am excited about the new things to come." - Monique, January 2024 Graduate
EVERY STEP OF THE JOURNEY
CONGRATULATIONS TO:
- Amy Ostrowski, for her new position as Program Manager.
- Brittany Persichitte, for her new position as Production Supervisor.
- Monica Magee, Marketing & E-Commerce Manager for 2 years of service.
- Diesha Walker, Office Administrator for 3 years of service.
- Anne Davis, Controller for 8 years of service.
- Geoff Lucas, Director of Sales for 15 years of service.
We're so glad you're here!
READY, SET, GROW 2024
12:00PM APRIL 24, 2024 AT THE DCPA
Our annual fundraiser is coming soon! This event will be a luncheon full of celebration, community, and emotion. Would you like to attend Ready, Set, Grow this year? Can you serve as a table captain? Contact Director of Development Luanne Hill for more information.
BEAN PROFILES
ELLEN STEIN WALLACE, BOARD CHAIR
"I've worked with not-for-profits throughout most of my professional career - with locked-out youth, those who experienced relationship abuse, and those marginalized because of who they are and their life experiences. I've provided direct services, participated in health care policy development, been an executive director and an interim director, and have done consulting work with not-for-profit organizations, staff, and boards. Currently I'm a partner with Johnson and Wallace Consulting.
When I'm not working I love to hike, work out, read, travel, eat, play tennis and pickleball, and spend time with family and friends.
I joined the board of Women's Bean Project for 3 key reasons. First, because of its mission... I care deeply about supporting typically disrespected, underserved, disenfranchised, and vulnerable people with services that provide opportunities to thrive. I love being part of an organization that works to help women create lasting change in their lives. Second, the Bean is a well-run organization. Credit due to the leadership team, this organization has a strong board and staff, is mission focused, and strives daily to bring its mission to fruition. Third, I hoped my experience and skills would be of use to the organization.
It is an honor and privilege to serve on the board of Women's Bean Project.
Thanks for reading!