REDF

“I was incarcerated for 19 years, eight months, convicted of a first-degree murder I didn't commit. In November 2013, the guy that committed the murder came forth and I got released…And so, I ended up in Berkeley with $200 to my name, and no place to live. I got connected with options, moved to different transitional housing where they gave me a part-time job making ten bucks an hour. I thought I was killing it because I was making $10 an hour… Because of my experience, I have a different, more empathetic view around the struggle, and [I can see] there are multiple pieces. I can support my staff who are supporting our participants to have a different understanding around what challenges they may be facing. For us, the view we take on is that we want to get curious. We want to understand what the challenges are. We're not going to document you for not showing up to work today or for having a bad day… we want to work with you on that.” Gregory N., Executive Director, Downtown Streets Team More on our “In Community” Series: https://bit.ly/47xLRSa

“Have grace. People need the opportunity to learn as slow as they need to, and they need space to really be built up, they need a space where they can really be encouraged and poured into, and it takes time because it's hard work. At moments, [where] you really want to give up on somebody, think about what it would look like if they had a breakthrough. See them [through that] frustrating moment, when you feel like they just can't get it, won't get it, give them another chance. If we're not willing to work through the hard things, then what's the point?” Antwoine Clark, Employee Development Manager, Binghampton Development Corporation More on our “In Community” Series: https://bit.ly/47xLRSa

Investing in employment is investing in real solutions!? LA:RISE creates pathways to stability—helping over 9,500 Angelenos gain employment, skills, and economic independence. Why It Matters: ? Jobs are key to long-term stability & housing security ? LA:RISE strengthens businesses, communities, and the local economy ? Everyone deserves the tools, resources, and services needed to thrive Programs, like LA:RISE, create opportunity, stability, and success for our communities. A BIG thank you to our City and County leaders for their support in driving meaningful change across Los Angeles! Check out our latest video to learn more: https://bit.ly/3FrCZU7 #CreatingChange #LARISE #StrongerCommunities

Big news: We’ve been named to the 2025 ImpactAssets 50 as an Emerging Impact Manager! ?? Honored to stand alongside a powerhouse group of impact investors driving real change. Grateful for the recognition—let’s keep building a better future.??? #IA50

“I had thought previously that workforce development, getting someone a job, and giving them money were slightly different things. They’re totally interconnected.”– Samuel Schaeffer, CEO of the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) A huge shoutout to our incredible partner Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), for being featured in Rolling Stone! ?? Sam and the CEO team are leading the charge for real, lasting change with the Reentry Assistance Bill, which would provide financial support to returning citizens as they rebuild their lives. This initiative builds on CEO’s proven success with the Returning Citizen Stimulus, which has already shown the power of economic stability in reducing recidivism and unlocking opportunity. ?? We’re proud to stand alongside CEO in breaking down barriers to employment and building an economy that works for everyone. Read more about the bill and CEO’s impact in Rolling Stone: https://bit.ly/4kEnWX7

“I get super excited when people come and tell the stories of how our programing has really helped them to move forward, do some things that they thought they couldn't accomplish, like taking them to check on a driver's license, finding out that all they need to do is go take the test. Or it’s people [that] started saving money, who just never thought they’d be able to save, and seeing their life in a better position that they thought they couldn't be in. I think it's always a joy because I was this adult who didn't have guidance, didn't have a community, didn't have anything of this nature that helped me… Anytime [there’s] an opportunity to help people, I try to identify and understand that they have value to add and that they can live a better life. And that's always a joy.” Antwoine Clark, Employee Development Manager, Binghampton Development Corporation More on our “In Community” Series: https://bit.ly/47xLRSa

A big welcome to the final 4 entrepreneurs and 2 enterprises that make up our 2025 #REDFAccelerator cohort! ?? Chana Makale’a Dudoit Ane & Kaulana Thibedoux hail from Maui and represent LIVING PONO PROJECT. Grounded in their values of ohana (family), kuleana (responsibility), and being pono (doing the right thing), The Living Pono Project’s social enterprise includes sustainable livestock production, a native nursery, crop production, nutrient and mulching, and landscape restoration. Nate Stone & Shane Schachere join the cohort from Spír Candle Co.. Each item sold by Spir Candle Co. is handmade by young men with periods of incarceration. On the job, they receive mentorship, a space to breathe, and the opportunity to become who they aspire to be. We cannot wait to watch this cohort of employment social enterprises tackle the challenges of growing a business together - and to witness the ripple effect their success has on their communities and our economy.

Meet our 2025 #REDFAccelerator entrepreneurs leading employment social enterprises across the Eastern Seaboard.??? Dusty Cooper, MBA, CEC & Yael Reichler join us from DC Central Kitchen, where hands-on culinary job training leads to living wage jobs delivering farm-to-school meals, supplying fresh produce to corner stores, and operating fast-casual cafes through DC. Christina Biandola & Mahlia Lindquist lead the team at Dragonfly Thrift Boutique in Miami, a social enterprise thrift boutique that employs women returning home from incarceration and connects them with housing and other wraparound support as they return home. Cooper Blackwell & Mysha Holland of OIC of Rocky Mount join the cohort from eastern North Carolina. Their health center social enterprise has delivered comprehensive healthcare, construction services, and high-quality career training for untapped talent for 50 years.

Join us in welcoming six entrepreneurs representing three Midwest employment social enterprises to our 2025 #REDFAccelerator cohort! ?? Danielle S Parker & Dion Dawson join us from Dion's Chicago Dream, an employment social enterprise revolutionizing food equity through last-mile delivery and logistics. Dion’s expands access to fresh produce for Chicago families and creates living-wage jobs for people overcoming barriers to employment. Elvis Eneh & Reda Ibrahim represent us from RK Contractors LLC, a construction employment social enterprise operating in Kansas City, MO. RK Contractors delivers master-level services to the community while creating employment and training opportunities for immigrants and Missourians overcoming barriers to employment. Chris Santillan & Rosa Mayer join the cohort from Unlocked Labs, a social enterprise founded by justice-impacted technologists dedicated to improving access to education for those still incarcerated. Based out of St. Louis, they operate a digital learning platform for incarcerated students to deliver web development and coding education programs.

Time to meet our 2025 #REDFAccelerator cohort. Today, we’re kicking it off with the leaders from California!?? Jakki Bedsole & Laura Hackney join us from AnnieCannons in Oakland. At AnnieCannons, coding training and job readiness prep are paired with community connection to support individuals who have experienced human trafficking launch sustainable tech careers. Andrew Nishimoto & Liz Luevano are crafting community and opportunity at Wrigley Coffee in Long Beach. At this coffeehouse, individuals overcoming barriers to employment brew up specialty coffee in a trauma-informed workplace, and receive coaching and training to grow as skilled leaders. Learn more about the Accelerator: https://lnkd.in/gixMu3YR