REDF

Earlier this month, our Refugee-Serving ESE affinity group gathered in Seattle! ??? 18 leaders from 11 ESEs across 7 states came together to connect, collaborate, and strengthen their businesses. In a time of uncertainty, we experienced how building community and resilience is more important than ever. A huge shoutout to this powerful network and the impact they’re creating. Thank you for all you do! 1951 Coffee Company Beautiful Day Bellden Cafe Global Neighborhood Havenly The Refugee Collective

And that’s a wrap! Last week’s all-staff retreat is officially in the books! Over the course of a few days, we dove deep into strategy, volunteered in and with the community — spending time with GLIDEsf to assemble hygiene kits and serving alongside community ambassadors — and cheered on some serious hidden talents within our team. At the heart of it all, we reconnected with why we do this work: to build a more inclusive economy where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We’re recharged, inspired, and ready to take on what’s next! ??

“We as a society generally see somebody and form an opinion right away. We have a narrative, an identity that we attach to the system, to really anybody without being curious, without getting to know the individual. And so, for me, I’d encourage the public to get curious. Just say hi. Don't be afraid. Just because somebody is in that current situation, you don't know what led them there. You don't know what their skills, their talents, their abilities are. All you see is their current state and once you get curious and start asking questions and get to know people, the stories are amazing. They're heartbreaking sometimes, but they're amazing human beings.” Gregory N., Executive Director, Downtown Streets Team More on our “In Community” Series: https://bit.ly/47xLRSa

“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.