Valerie Richardson

Together We Bake

Together We Bake (TWB) is a low barrier entry, gender focused workforce training program. TWB's innovative job training and personal development program revolves around a small baking business in which Team Members develop the skills and confidence to gain and sustain employment. Team Members master skills in commercial food production, food safety and business administration. The program also covers soft skill development through personal empowerment and life skills groups. Additionally, Team Members are matched with a Job Counselor, a trained volunteer from the community, who works with them one-on-one each week to accomplish job readiness tasks such as preparing a resume, practicing interview skills and initiating a job search. TWB serves low-income women facing barriers to employment including homelessness, involvement with the criminal justice system, recent immigration to the country, domestic violence and/or mental health and/or substance abuse issues. TWB serves low-income women in need in the Washington, DC metro area. TWB also provides post program support to TWB alumni through outreach efforts (phone calls, text messages, email, visits, posts in private Facebook group). TWB also holds bi-monthly alumni gatherings to maintain personal connections and provide continued support from the TWB family.