WORK OPTIONS FOR WOMEN DBA WORK OPTIONS

Food Provisions:In 2025, Work Options provided a total of 111,410 nutritious meals to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity and housing instability.- 109,000 fully prepared, nourishing meals were delivered to residents of Colorado Villages Micro Communities at the Monroe and Steele sites, providing three meals per day to individuals transitioning out of homelessness.- 2,260 meals were provided to Work Options program participants, all of whom experience food insecurity, supporting daily access to breakfast and lunch during training and employment preparation.- Located at the Mosaic Campus, which also serves Denver Public Schools and low income seniors and families, Work Options launched its first Thanksgiving community meal in 2025, serving 150 neighbors at no cost to them. This initiative will continue as an annual community tradition in the years ahead. We plan to feed 250 for 2026.Culinary Job Training & Employment Services:In 2025, Work Options provided culinary job training and employment services to 230 adults from historically excluded backgrounds, many of whom experienced justice involvement, homelessness, trauma, or long-term unemployment.- Out of 230 enrolled, 210 participants (91%) successfully completed culinary job training, exceeding program completion targets.- 148 graduates (70%) secured employment in the culinary and hospitality sector following program completion.- 69% graduates remained employed six months after placement, demonstrating sustained workforce engagement.- Participants earned 1,537 industry-recognized certifications, including ServSafe Food Handler, Restaurant Ready, and Allergen certifications.- Training delivery included 5,980 hours of job readiness instruction, 25,300 hours of hands-on kitchen training, and 2,806 hours of individualized case management support.In addition to workforce outcomes, program participants contributed directly to community food security by preparing 111,410 nutritious meals for individuals transitioning out of homelessness, program participants experiencing food insecurity, and neighbors served through community meal initiatives, reinforcing Work Options integrated model of workforce development and large-scale food access.Student Demographic Info:Work Options serves a highly diverse population facing significant and compounded economic and social barriers. Many of our students hold multiple intersecting identities and have experienced stigma and discrimination, which have limited their access to stable employment and economic opportunity. Participants identify as 43% female, 54% male, 2% non-binary, and 1% LGBTQIA+. Eighty-one percent identify as people of color, including 32% African American, 18% multiracial, 17% Hispanic/Latinx, and 14% Asian American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander. Most participants are working age adults,with 82% ages 25 to 64 and 15% ages 18 to 24. Many face systemic barriers, including 64% whoare justice involved, 29% with felony convictions, 64% who have experienced homelessness,46% living with invisible disabilities, 41% survivors of domestic violence, and 18% formerly in foster care. These demographics reflect Work Options commitment to expanding food access and employment opportunities for those disproportionately impacted by poverty and instability.