‹‹ Colorado Matters

Women’s Bean Project thrives in a tough year

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9min 35sec
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Hart Van Denburg/CPR News
Judy Henson, left, and Amy Yamashita package chocolate-covered espresso beans at the Women’s Bean Project in Denver on Wednesday, November 17, 2021. The nonprofit offers on-the-job training in a food manufacturing business, as well as career services, life skills and case management for women facing chronic unemployment, recidivism, welfare dependency and other challenges. Founded in Denver in 1989, the program found itself in high demand during the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn.

While some businesses have faced hard times during the pandemic, the Women’s Bean Project has had its biggest sales year ever. The group, which hires women who struggle to find work. Project CEO Tamra Ryan hopes this holiday season will be just as good.