Women’s Stories

Transcribed from Nia’s graduation speech: Dear Women of the Bean Project, I want to take some time to let you know how much you have taught me during my time here. I would like to start with the staff. To Tamra, thank you for thinking highly of me, and letting me rep the Bean on the news. And you made things happen for us that we never thought possible. I pray your journey unfolds smoothly in your next steps in life. To Geoff, thank you for talking with my husband [read more]

Transcribed from Crystal’s graduation speech: While my time here has come to an end and as I sit here today, I look back to when I first walked in. I had one clear goal in mind which was I wanted to complete the program. I [read more]

To all the participants, I hope that someday soon you’ll be standing in the same position that I am today. When I first set foot in this building, I didn’t think I was going to get a callback saying I was accepted for a position, [read more]

My name is Kyra, I’m also known as Slim. I started at the WBP September 5, 2023. I did 10 and half years in prison and got released in June of 2023. This was the first job that I got and kept for the long-term. [read more]

Content warning: justice involvement My name is Monique. I am 54 years old. I came to Women’s Bean Project, because a very close friend of mine was smiling everyday and she looked very happy with life. I thought to myself it looks good on her. [read more]

Content warning: substance use Before starting at WBP, I was just a single mom struggling with stability in many aspects of my life. Although I had a job – it wasn’t stable and a very toxic environment. I didn’t have stable housing and my support was very little. Since starting at the Bean five months ago I have found stability and even gotten into stable transitional housing program for single moms. I have gained a lot of confidence in myself, and I am surrounded by wonderful women who support me [read more]

Transcribed from Ashley’s graduation speech: This place has made me grow and has made me confident and it has brought forth more goodness rather than badness, like my past. So I just wanna say thank you, guys, for giving me this opportunity. And Rocio, I [read more]