FROM THE CEO
It’s a new season, and as usual, we are experiencing changes. Luanne Hill, our beloved Development Director of ten years, is retiring at the end of June. So is Bob Macdonald, our long-time grant writer and former Program Director. Both will be missed terribly, but Luanne is off to new adventures with her grandchildren interspersed with teaching yoga, and Bob will focus on overcoming some health issues he has recently experienced.
In the spirit of seasonal change, we are excited to introduce three candy products. One is actually a reintroduction of a customer favorite: Jelly Beans! The other two are gummy candies that will be appealing to a broad audience, especially during the summer months (read: non-soup months). Already we have had great customer interest in these products, so we are excited to see them gain a following.
Finally, this fall marks Women’s Bean Project’s 35th anniversary. Those of us for whom 1989 does not seem that long ago are likely to be surprised that it has been 35 years. I am proud that Women’s Bean Project has not only survived, but thrived over the years. I am also proud that we have nurtured Jossy Eyre’s original idea and grown into a nationally known social enterprise that serves as a model for others across the globe. We have made it this far not because it was easy, but because we are a model that makes sense to people. We are a business with a purpose; the better the business does, the more women can be served. The opportunity to come to work each day with this higher purpose in mind is a powerful motivator for our team. We hope it also excites you to continue your support. Behind each product is a woman who is experiencing transformation. Who knew beans could do so much?
I’ll look forward to seeing many of you in the coming months as we celebrate 35 years of life changing work.
Warmly,
AUTUMN LEAVES ON THE BREEZE...
THE FALL SUBSCRIPTION BOX DROP
On August 20, the fourth Women’s Bean Project subscription box ships out to porches and parcel lockers across America. This autumn-themed box will highlight our new snack offerings, back-to-school essentials, and features another exclusive collectible item to rep your WBP support.
This program has provided an additional $11,700 to transferrable job skills training and livable wages for women creating lasting change in their lives. You can help us reach our goal of $30,000 by easily signing up for a subscription on our website. For just $75 every three months (that’s only $25 a month!) you can support the transitional employment of women building their future at Women’s Bean Project.
Sign up now to never miss another drop!
BEAN PROFILES
JEN SPAHR, EVERYDAY HERO
On June 11, longtime WBP supporter and volunteer Jen Spahr was honored as a Denver7 Everyday Hero. WBP nominated Jen for her invaluable contributions to our community. Jen Spahr has been involved with the Women’s Bean Project for over 10 years. Three years ago, when she retired, she began volunteering regularly on the production floor. Today, she comes in every Tuesday (and during the holiday, Tuesday and Thursday) and works side by side with the program participants. She is so ingrained in our processes that she helps train and is an essential member of our team. Her consistency, reliability, and dedication are invaluable.
Jen also works with us on continuous improvement of our warehouse operations and logistics. Before retirement she was involved in this line of work and we have benefitted greatly from her profession guidance. Congratulations Jen and thank you for all your hard work!
DENISE LOPEZ, WBP GRADUATE
Denise Lopez graduated from Women’s Bean Project in September 2023. She generously shared her story at Ready, Set, Grow 2024 as the graduate speaker. Her inspiring journey touched the hearts of hundreds, and continues to motivate other participants who enounter the same barriers that she overcame. She is currently thriving in her new career as an insurance agent after regaining her Property & Casualty License while at Women’s Bean Project.
She has since worked for two agencies and currently has her own office for the first time ever. She earned her driver’s license and can now drive herself to and from the office. We are so proud of Denise and her continued success and wish her the best in her new position. In Denise’s words, “Adulting feels great!”
EVERY STEP OF THE JOURNEY
CONGRATULATIONS TO:
- Rachel Morgenroth, Director of Program Operations for 1 year of service.
- Brittany Persichitte, for her new position as Production Manager of Core Business and 1 year of service.
- Kawanda Vaughn, Accounting Clerk for 3 years of service.
- Miranda Zamora, for her new role as Production Manager of Fulfillment and 6 years of service.
- Luanne Hill, for 10 years of service and her well-deserved retirement!
We're so glad you're here!
READY, SET, GROW 2024
A HUGE SUCCESS!
On April 24, 2024 Women’s Bean Project celebrated graduates and fundraised for the upcoming year. We had 452 guests, donors, graduates, participants and staff in attendance. All donations made during the event provide job readiness and life skill development. Our fundraising goal was $290,000.
We have raised over $293,335!
What a great success! You have helped provide program services for 40 women, which in turn will have endless impact on each woman, her family and our community. We are so grateful for your continued support of the women we serve.
NEW SUMMER CANDY
Women's Bean Project summer candy is here! At the start of this month, we introduced three unique mixes to satisfy your sweet tooth. Two new limited time only gummy mixes join the returning fan-favorite Gourmet Jelly Beans. Now available on our website!
Summer Harvest Gummies: A bountiful harvest of summer fruit gummies for those hot summer days! Sweet gummy strawberries, sour watermelons and gummy peaches.
Shipwrecked Sour Gummies: This brand new mix of sour gummies is shore to please from sea to shining sea! Sour skulls, raspberry pucker bottles, and Swedish gummy fish.
Gourmet Jelly Beans: The return of our 10 Bean Soup's sweet sibling! Lemon, orange, coconut, cherry, lime, and licorice.
Thanks for reading!