When asking yourself about something to do near me in Denver with a group of friends or family, consider
Women's Bean Project
Why Women's Bean Project is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Women’s Bean Project (WBP) is a transformative nonprofit based in Denver that empowers chronically unemployed women by providing them with sustainable employment, comprehensive training, and vital supportive services. Founded in 1989 by Jossy Eyre, it began by hiring women to produce and sell 10-bean soup kits to help break the cycle of poverty through steady work. Today, WBP has grown significantly, recently upgrading to a larger 20,000-square-foot facility on Alameda Street to expand its impact across the Denver metro area. The organization offers a social enterprise model where women gain not only immediate income through gourmet food production jobs but also crucial career and life skills through workshops, therapy, and educational programs. The approach focuses on holistic support, addressing barriers such as homelessness, criminal records, and lack of education. Women who participate receive assistance with housing, childcare, GED preparation, and more, making it a comprehensive and empowering environment. The project’s employment program is designed to build self-confidence and prepare women for entry-level career jobs, fostering independence and lasting change. WBP’s philosophy underscores that changing one woman’s life positively affects her family and community, creating a ripple effect of empowerment.
Here's what people think of Women's Bean Project
As of recent, Women's Bean Project holds a 4.7-star rating based on 63 reviews.
Reviews from both participants and employees underscore Women’s Bean Project as an exceptional and supportive organization. Positive feedback highlights the caring and dedicated staff who foster a nurturing environment that goes beyond just providing a paycheck. Many praised the program as life-changing, emphasizing the development of job skills, life skills, and personal growth. Several reviewers noted how the program helped them re-organize their lives and provided essential resources like housing assistance and childcare support, making it a great place to regain confidence and financial independence. The management’s commitment to workforce development and individualized support was frequently mentioned with appreciation. On the other hand, some critiques touch upon typical challenges inherent in nonprofit and transitional employment programs, such as occasional operational stress or limitations in scaling services to meet high demand. However, the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a desire to return to work with WBP if given the chance. The reviews collectively portray the Women’s Bean Project as a trusted and effective stepping stone for women overcoming significant hurdles to achieve self-sufficiency and meaningful employment.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Raquel Avila
This a great place for women to grow and learn to really get the tools they need to get a really good job. Everyone on the staff are so amazing and nice. This place has helped my family so much I love to see my wife shine in this place with the rest of the ladies that have been apart of the vision.
Matt Harper
Plain and simple, I love their mission. They aim to improve the lives of women and mothers who will in turn, affect change in their own families. Women put together the products and they're very tasty. Yes, they cost a bit more. I love where the money goes and people say they'd love to know how to help women change their situations and this is one way to do it! 10 Bean Soup is so good my kids ask for it. Easy as a crock pot meal for a family of 5 or more. The Denver office has lots of products stocked to purchase. Stop in and support your community!
Bethany Christensen (Sissy)
This place is an amazing non-profit that helps so many women in our community. They have a beautiful gift shop/store in this building that is open to the public. The woman who works there is very professional, friendly, and helpful. Their products are a little on the expensive side for my budget - as I live on a fixed income. I tell you what - if I had more disposable income I would support them a lot more than I have. They have beautiful gift boxes that would be an ideal purchase for small businesses, and corporations to give to their clients! Please stop in and say hi to them! You will not be disappointed!
L H Phone
We went for their annual open house. They have a wide variety of products and samples using their products at this open house. Festive atmosphere.
Ellen Stein Wallace
Brought my family to volunteer today. Had a great time making gift boxes and working with one of the amazing program participants. This organization does good work and makes a difference in so many lives. Their products are terrific.
How to reach Women's Bean Project
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Why Women's Bean Project may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Women’s Bean Project with your friends?
Gathering at the Women’s Bean Project (WBP) with friends offers more than just a casual meetup; it provides a meaningful shared experience centered on community, empowerment, and positive social impact. This Denver-based nonprofit is rooted in a deep mission to transform the lives of chronically unemployed women through employment, skills training, and supportive programming. When rallying here, you and your friends are not just spending time together—you’re supporting a community-driven cause that helps women break the cycle of poverty and become self-sufficient. The space itself is rich with history and heart, housed in the historic Firehouse #10, infusing your visit with a sense of local pride and legacy. Whether you come for a tour, to shop their gourmet food products, or to participate in an event, your group will witness firsthand how enterprise can fuel transformation. The story-driven atmosphere encourages meaningful conversations, connection to social entrepreneurship, and reinforces collective empowerment. This makes Women’s Bean Project a unique and inspiring environment to meet up with friends, blending fun group activities with the joy of making a difference together.
What activities does Women’s Bean Project offer that make it ideal for group meetups?
Women’s Bean Project offers varied activities and experiences that are excellent for groups looking to bond while contributing to a laudable cause. First, the nonprofit’s café and retail shop showcase gourmet foods made by the women employed in their transitional jobs program. Groups can enjoy sampling soups, baked treats, and other handcrafted products while learning about the women’s stories behind each item. This culinary engagement makes the visit interactive and deeply personal, encouraging shared reflection. Additionally, WBP hosts tours of their historic Firehouse location, where visitors can see production operations and hear about the organization’s impact over three decades—which is both educational and inspiring for group discussions. For larger gatherings or special occasions, the space can accommodate private events, providing an intimate venue with a unique backdrop full of history and purpose. Workshops or speaker events are sometimes available as well, offering structured group activities that combine social learning with fun. These diverse options create an ideal setting for groups to connect, engage, and celebrate empowerment together.
Why is Women’s Bean Project’s history and mission important to know before visiting?
Understanding Women’s Bean Project’s history enriches the visit and deepens appreciation of its mission, making it a compelling choice for group meetups. Founded in 1989 by Jossy Eyre with just $500 and a vision to provide steady jobs to women facing chronic unemployment, the nonprofit originally sold 10-bean soup kits to raise funds, giving the organization its name. Since then, WBP has operated for over 30 years, creating a steppingstone for approximately 800 women who have moved on to sustainable employment. The organization’s mission focuses on social enterprise—where women gain temporary jobs in gourmet food production, supported by life skills and job readiness classes that address barriers like poverty and trauma. Being situated in a historic firehouse building, which the project moved into in 1996, also offers a tangible connection to the city’s heritage. This background not only explains the profound impact WBP has had but also makes visiting a gathering at this place an opportunity to witness a living example of how community-driven business can create lasting societal change, instilling pride and inspiration in any group.
How does Women’s Bean Project foster community and support women’s empowerment?
Community and empowerment are core pillars at Women’s Bean Project, making the place uniquely suited for gatherings with friends who value social impact. The organization believes all women have the power to transform their lives through employment, which is reflected in the supportive and nurturing environment they provide. Women hired by the project receive immediate income through transitional jobs, supplemented by workshops, therapy, and classes to enhance interpersonal skills and career readiness. The project fosters a sense of belonging and personal dignity, offering more than just a paycheck—it helps women rebuild confidence, address trauma, and develop sustainable paths to self-sufficiency. For visitors, witnessing this empowerment firsthand while interacting with staff, participants, or products creates a sense of connection and shared purpose. Groups can participate in events and workshops that highlight these themes of resilience and transformation. This atmosphere makes WBP not just a venue but a living community space where empowerment is practiced and celebrated daily.
What makes the physical space of Women's Bean Project special for group gatherings?
The physical environment of Women’s Bean Project offers a combination of charm, history, and functionality that enhances group meetups. Located in the historic Firehouse #10, a building with roots dating back to the 1920s, the space has been carefully renovated to accommodate production and administrative needs while keeping its unique character. The atmosphere blends warm brick walls, open areas for production viewing, and comfortable spaces for meetings, making it both inviting and inspiring. Its spacious layout allows for group activities like private events, workshops, and tastings without the crowding typical of commercial venues. The setting’s story-focused signage and displays immerse visitors in the journey of the women the nonprofit serves, encouraging meaningful conversations and engagement. This combination of history, openness, and community spirit creates a backdrop conducive to both casual get-togethers and more purposeful gatherings, helping groups feel connected to each other and the mission.
How can visiting Women’s Bean Project as a group create lasting memories?
Visiting Women’s Bean Project with friends or family offers the chance to create lasting memories anchored in shared values and impactful experiences. Unlike a typical dining or retail outing, every interaction here is connected to stories of personal transformation and hope, making the visit emotionally rich and deeply motivating. Groups will remember the taste of gourmet soups and baked goods crafted with care by women overcoming incredible obstacles, the sight of production in action within the historic firehouse, and the genuine warmth of a community dedicated to change. Participating in special events or tours together fosters discussion and reflection, helping friends build closer bonds through meaningful engagement. The act of supporting a nonprofit that visibly changes lives gives the outing a purpose beyond socializing, turning a simple meetup into a memorable chapter of shared impact and learning. Over time, returning to this vibrant hub can become a tradition symbolizing friendship, empowerment, and community commitment.
What makes Women’s Bean Project’s products special for group enjoyment?
The gourmet products crafted by Women’s Bean Project employees add a delicious and thoughtful element to any group visit. These offerings include signature 10-bean soup mixes, brownies, cookies, and other baked goods, all made with quality ingredients and care by women building their skills and independence. Unlike mass-produced items, these products carry stories of transformation and resilience, adding emotional connection and meaning to their enjoyment. Sharing and tasting these goods as a group fosters a unique atmosphere of celebration not only for the flavors but the journeys behind them. Many visitors find that experiencing the products makes the mission more tangible and personal, sparking conversations about social enterprise and community support. Including a product purchase or tasting in your group gathering also supports the sustainability of the project, making your fun outing a direct contribution to empowering women.
How does Women’s Bean Project ensure an inclusive and welcoming environment for visitors?
Women’s Bean Project is dedicated to creating an inclusive and welcoming space for all visitors, aligning with its broader mission of dignity and respect for everyone. The organization believes employment barriers should be removed regardless of background and models this principle in how it interacts with the community. Visitors, whether individuals or groups, are greeted warmly, with staff ready to share insights on the mission, answer questions, and provide tours or event information. Accessibility considerations are made so people with varied needs can comfortably enjoy the space and activities. Signage, stories, and programming highlight diverse backgrounds and experiences, fostering a culture of empathy and respect. This welcoming environment ensures groups feel comfortable gathering, learning, and engaging in ways that make their meetup inclusive and enriching for everyone involved.
What makes Women’s Bean Project a sustainable and socially responsible venue?
Women’s Bean Project serves as a model of sustainability and social responsibility, an increasingly important consideration when choosing a place to gather. The organization operates as a social enterprise, where revenue from product sales directly funds employment opportunities and support services for women overcoming long-term unemployment. This circular model ensures money spent at the venue benefits the community, promoting economic and social sustainability. Additionally, WBP emphasizes environmentally conscious production practices and building use within the historic firehouse. Its mission-driven approach aligns business success with social good, creating positive ripple effects for families and neighborhoods beyond Denver. For group meetups, this means your gathering supports broader goals of equity and sustainability, transforming an ordinary event into a powerful contribution toward systemic change and community wellbeing.
How can booking an event or workshop at Women’s Bean Project enhance group interactions?
Booking events or workshops at Women’s Bean Project transforms a typical meetup into a structured, interactive experience that deepens group connection and awareness. The venue can accommodate private celebrations, corporate gatherings, or community workshops with options tailored to highlight WBP’s mission and offerings. Workshops might include cooking classes with the gourmet products, talks from women who have benefited from the program, or social entrepreneurship sessions that inspire participants. These activities promote collaboration, learning, and shared purpose within the group, making gatherings more memorable and impactful. Event hosts benefit from the supportive staff and meaningful setting, which complement the group dynamic and allow time for reflection on empowerment and social change. Such experiences enhance social bonds while educating attendees on important issues, turning any occasion into a catalyst for meaningful discussion and action.
What nearby amenities or attractions complement a visit to Women’s Bean Project?
Women’s Bean Project is situated in a vibrant area of Denver, making it convenient to pair a visit with other local attractions and amenities that enhance the group outing experience. Nearby, groups can explore parks, local shops, and cultural venues that offer additional opportunities for socializing and entertainment before or after the WBP experience. Various dining options are available in the neighborhood, allowing for group meals to extend the time spent together in a more traditional setting. The location also benefits from good transportation access and parking options, easing logistics for groups arriving from different parts of the city. Complementary activities like visiting the nearby affordable housing projects or community centers promote a fuller understanding of the social ecosystem WBP is part of, enriching the overall visit. This combination of accessibility and local flavor makes Women’s Bean Project an excellent starting point or anchor for a full day of group exploration and connection in Denver.