The proof is in the pudding, or shall we say the soup, with 58% of 2011 participants graduating the program, 78% securing jobs, 66% keeping employment at 6 month check-in, 80% showing improved self-esteem and interpersonal skills, and displayed increased ability to set goals and manage finances. 80% also eliminated employment barriers like housing and tra
nsportation. With the Women’s Bean Project as a stepping stone toward success, the women will be able to support themselves and their families, and create stronger role models for future generations.
Below are just a couple of their tremendous success stories: (OR we could have this link to another page so folks don’t miss the bottom section)

Barbara
“I always felt like the black sheep in my family. My mom and I argued until I moved out of the house at 14. I was in and out of people’s houses until I graduated from high school. My mom now admits she wasn’t a good mom to me…but, it was tough for her too because she was 17 when she had me.
I started getting into meth when I was living with a friend, and her mom introduced me to it. That started a 7-year meth addiction. Both of my children were born in jail and had a slight addiction to meth themselves.
Working at the Bean Project has given me so much. The Bean Project saw me as more than just an ‘addict.’ It can be really hard when you are trying to get your life back together and people only see you a certain way. The Bean Project didn’t judge me and helped me find a way back into society.”
Update: Barbara got married, is working part time and expecting a baby.

Josephine
After her mother’s untimely death, Josephine started getting into real trouble. It began with cashing bad checks when she was 18 years old to support her daughter. Soon, she started drinking and getting high which lead to cashing more checks, stealing cars and dealing drugs.
“The bank caught me cashing checks and I was arrested and sent to jail for six months. When I got out, I found out I lost full custody of my baby.”
“I am so grateful. I didn’t even know where to start. The Bean Project helped me get my birth certificate, social security card and got me working right away.
Update: JoJo is working and living in her own apartment.

Shawna
I was born in Colorado and I have 2 siblings. My mother was an alcoholic. My parents divorced when I was 10 and all three of us kids stayed with my dad. From that point on my life was different. I started to have trouble in school. By the time I was 12 I stopping going to school, left home and was drinking everyday. At 14, I started using crystal meth. By 16 I was shooting up. My life was a mess. I didn’t have my family. I was in and out of juvenile facilities.
When I was 18 I got my first felony for forgery and went to jail for 180 days. When I got out, I met my daughter’s dad. It was first of many abusive and horrible relationships. I became pregnant but didn’t stop using drugs. After my daughter was born things got even worse. I was living in a hotel on Broadway with my daughter. My addiction forced my mother to go get sober to save her granddaughter. She took her from me because I was high and not a very good parent. I would visit maybe once a week.
My daughter was growing up and getting bigger without me. I would show up high to her birthday parties. I missed her first day of school. I missed every important first experience. My daughter wanted to see me but I was not capable of seeing her. I didn’t care about anything. And my mother had to deal with my bad judgment.
I was high nonstop for over 10 years. I was in and out of jail. I had nothing and nowhere to be. And I was writing bad checks to stay high. I eventually ended up at a community corrections program called the Haven. From there I was referred to Women’s Bean Project.
When I started work there it was awesome. I went to work every day. I was responsible. I learned skills I never had. It was like I was 16 again, going to work for the first time. My past doesn’t mean that I can’t be a normal functioning member of society.
I learned how to go into an interview and be confident. I learned to answer uncomfortable questions that employers would ask. I went Women’s Bean Project with no skills and by the time I left there was nothing there I didn’t know how to do. I could make baskets, work on the line, do shipping, answer the phones. I could do it all and it felt good. I am so appreciative of the opportunity that was given to me at the Bean Project. It was the first of many steps in the right direction. I would like to see more women who are trying to get their lives on track, be able to have this opportunity.
Contact Hoyer Law Firm for more information.
Update: Shawna is working in an optician’s office and continues to be a mom to her children.